16 - Friday, September 18, 1992 - North Shore News HOME & GARDEN Seasonal songbirds soothe the senses with sweet sound RELIEF FROM the hassles and pressures of work is no longer solely an over-priced beach vacation at a tropical paradise resort. Drowning out the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be as simple as winding down to the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. Bird feeding is a simple and in- expensive way to invite the cheer- ful, easy song of feathered friends _ to your home. ‘Bird songs Birds sing for as many reasons as there are types of birds. For instance, a strong, piercing , song serves to threaten other birds and define territorial claims, whereas a rich, sweet song may be used by a male to attract a mate. Short, fierce cries are alarm calls used to warn other birds of impending danger. Other calls, notes, touch with each other as they fly across vast regions. _ In all, birds sing to communi- cate with each other, out of love or competition, and for the sheer pleasure of hearing their own voices. | " ". Songbirds supplement their diets . with the seeds and nuts they find in bird feeders, often rewarding their providers with a musical mediey of chirps and whistles. A generous and diverse assort- ment of seed, including sunflower seeds, Oatmeal flakes and crushed - peanuts, is certain to attract a wide variety of bird species. called contact Bird varieties - The. ability to identify different birds at the feeder is a great source of pride and enjoyment to _ many ardent bird watchers. One of the most frequently sighted birds is the robin. Best- known for its sleek, brick-red breast, the robin can . build a home in almost every part of the country, from forests or fields to coastal areas and moun- ' tain glades. Its diet consists of a variety of insects, grubs, nuts and seeds. keep moving flocks in | The robin’s varied, fluid warbi- . ing makes it a favorite of bird watchers everywhere. The best known woodpecker in North America is also a frequent sight at the bird feeder. A great fan of seeds and suet, . the inquisitive downy woodpecker will readily visit, accessible feeding stations. The male of the’ species is marked with a bright red head patch in addition to more subdued biack and white feathers. The blue jay has earned the well-deserved reputation of being the easiest bird to attract with the least amount of effort. A great fan of cracked corn, suet, and sunflower seeds, the bright blue and white feathers add brilliant color and spirit to. the yard while its enormous repertoire of original songs calms and soothes daily tensions. Other colorful additions to the yard include the goldfinch, a vibrant yellow bird with a yen for sunflower seeds; the brown-head- ed cowbird, with its distinctive coppery brown head and metallic blue body; and the cardinal, noted for its brilliant red feathers and tich, whistled song. Bird feeders Attracting these and other birds to your home is easy. A huge selection of bird feeders, ranging from the simple and inexpensive to the complex and omate, is available. While some. devoted bird-~wat- chers elect to construct feeders of their own design, an easier way to invite a few feathered friends to your home is to purchase an eco- nomical, ready-to-use feeder. Many reusable feeders come pre-filled with a premium mixture of seeds and can be hung any- where to attract songbirds. The seed mix contains different seeds ito lure a wider variety of songbirds. While many birds are destined to spend this winter in warmer climates, others will be left to fend for themselves through the snowy and icy season ahead. Instead of packing up and heading south, why not help cut those who are struggling to make it through the northern winter? Then, just close your eyes and experience the sweet sound of paradise in your own backyard. A NEW | INNOVATIVE DESIGN | SOFA BEDS a FINALLY A BED THAT SITS AND SLEEPS WELL : + Available in fabric & leather + Ove 70 styles in stock + Non-s. a bed slats ° Storage 1.2.49 Good prices — Service eweng day. . Sts oeta te THE KIDS ARE THERE DRIVE WITH CARE!