Jenn Doing My Best

The snow is finally melting. The temps will be in the 30s – 40s this week. Is this a sign spring is on its way?

Doubt it! This is Michigan, after all. 😏😅

I bought new seeds for my patio birds, as I like to call them. This time I wanted to try a “no mess” seed mix because the squirrels have made such a mess on the patio with empty peanut and sunflower seed shells.

Also, the other day I discovered the birds don’t care much for wheat in their seed mix. When I upgraded the bird seeds to a higher-quality mix, they just left the wheat in the feeders. 😲 I also found quite a bit of wheat on the ground. These birds are fancy now! 🐦😂

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This afternoon, Travis and I started clearing out some of the shells and wheat. I told him we should get started as soon as the snow starts melting. I don’t want any mold or pest issues.

I’m super paranoid after having a squirrel sneak into our basement. 🐿

Although, the squirrel getting into our basement is unrelated to the bird feeder. We’ve always had squirrels climbing our tree and scurrying across the patio fence.

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In January, we had a snow storm every week. This made cleaning the empty seed shells really challenging.

Trust me—I tried! Lol 😆

The below freezing temps caused the shells to freeze. The shells were basically just blocks of seeded ice cubes. 😲

But I have been diligent about regularly emptying the bird feeder trays. So, at least there’s that.

We’re going to keep working on cleaning up the patio each day as the ice and snow continue to melt.

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BTW—this is my first time having winter bird feeders. I have loved feeding the birds so much! I get excited when I discover a new bird species has found my bird feeders.

Within the last two weeks, Cardinals, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Starlings have joined the bird patio cafè.

And guess what?

I can now identify six types of birds when they are calling out a distance away. I think it’s safe to say I’m a backyard birder now. 😆😂🐦

💜 XO

P.S.— I’d love to know any tips on bird feeding if you know some! 🐦💗

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📸 Feature image credit Melissa Burovac.