have people buying mealy worms for them to eat
and birdhouses to live in.
Arkansas hosts them year around.
Birds like to raise their young at a time when the bugs are going crazy in their reproductive cycle. The explosion of bugs provides a banquet for the next generation of birds. One could say the birds keep the insect population lower or the bugs make the bird population higher. The relationship is one more example of an infinite number of dependencies in Creation.
Mourning doves are seed-eaters. They make a milk out of seeds and feed that to their young.
A blend of food will attract the widest variety of bird species. Some foods enjoyed by foods include:
1. All seeds, but especially sunflower seeds.
2. Berries, fruit, citrus.
3. Suet.
4. Bread crumbs.
5. Food up on trays or near the ground. Many put the ground food somewhat above the ground, perhaps on a window screen, to keep it dry.
All birds want fresh water for drinking and bathing. Multiple baths will encourage more birds. Dripping water will entice them to come. A large container with a very slow drip will appeal to birds, who tune in to the sound of moving water.
A variety of plants will house, feed, and shelter birds. Every tree is a feeding station for birds.
A trashy yard is good for birds. They like long grass, quiet places for nesting, bushes, trees, bamboo, flowering plants, compost areas, branches on the ground, and dead trees. An ideal location includes a broad grassy area, woods, and water.
