Bringing birds to the garden

Posted on by Jen Nathan Orris

A yard is not complete without a bird feeder. These simple contraptions attract flocks from miles away and bring a spark on interest to any landscape. But how do you bring these flighty animals to your home? With a quality bird feeder, of course.

Birding expert Simon Thompson will reveal the truth about bird feeding at a class on Tuesday, March 12 at the N.C. Arboretum. Students will learn how to place seed, suet, fruit and nectar feeders in locations specifically designed to bring out the birds. Discover how to protect feeders from animals like bears and squirrels and how to bring elusive hummingbirds into your world.

Students are invited to bring bird feeders from home for evaluation and consultation. Just make sure they’ve been thoroughly cleaned so as not to spread disease.

Simon Thompson has a wide breadth of knowledge and is considered an international bird expert. He’s lived in N.C. for more than 10 years and has traveled the world to see exotic birds in person. He spent six months in China studying crane migration as party of the “China Crane Watch” expedition. Thompson is the director of Ventures Nature Travel program in Tryon and co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in Arden.

“The Truth about Bird Feeding” will be offered on Tuesday, March 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the N.C. Arboretum. The program is limited to 25 participants and registration is requested. $37; $27 Arboretum members. Info: http://avl.mx/qt

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