Originally Posted by Carlsondm (Post 2116583)

Do you have a water feature? We have a fountain .. flowing water .. and many birds. Try That.

Originally Posted by pacjag (Post 2116151)

Your feeders will also attract mice and rats, which will then attract snakes and coyotes. Be aware.

Originally Posted by vintageogauge (Post 2116165)

No need to feed the little birds they have plenty to eat and by doing so you turn them into food for the birds of prey sitting up in a tree waiting for an easy meal when they come to your feeder. And yes there are rodents eating the bird food and snakes eating the rodents.

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager (Post 2116419)

That is actually a myth going back 60+ years.
For many years people were putting up houses for Purple Martins and Bluebirds believing these birds ate mosquitoes. In Minnesota they did a study and it was shown Martin's and bluebirds actually ate some mosquitos but not more than any other bird, and not in enough quantity to make a difference. What was discovered was Martin's and bluebirds preyed heavily on dragonflies. Dragonflies are the biggest predator of a mosquito. What people were actually doing is killing the natural predator of the mosquito and making the situation worse.

Originally Posted by MartinSE (Post 2116238)

It is illegal in Florida to feed SOME birds. Mostly those that are protected species because feeding can disrupt migration patterns. It is illegal to feed MOST wildlife in Florida. It is recommended if you have a bird feeder to clean it regularly.

"Feeders

Bird feeders may aid in the spread of disease among different species of birds. For this reason, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends scrubbing all bird feeders twice a month with a solution containing one part bleach to 10 parts water. If the feeders begin to attract bears or sandhill cranes, residents must stop feeding until these animals stop coming to the location."

Originally Posted by Tvflguy (Post 2116369)

Thanks for a (finally) direct response to my question rather than the naysayer rsps.

As I said we have had bird feeder and birdhouse for eight years here. The birds always enjoyed the seeds and occupied the house compartments and bred. Never had a single issue re rodents or birds chirping “don’t feed me it’s against the law”.

I simply do not recall in prior summers birds migrating to a noticeable degree. I guess they are, although I did notice four small sparrow like birds on the feeder yesterday. Perhaps from a recent brood, left the birdhouse in back a few weeks ago.

Also there seems to be far less Sandhill cranes around. More migration I guess.

Perhaps the “Snowbird” thing applies to them too.

Originally Posted by PugMom (Post 2117268)

i noticed that too about the sandhill cranes, -they ARE around, just not in the usual places. i drive the area daily & noticed a lot of the birds were hanging out @ pond in the newer area on Marsh Bend Trail. i also heard birds will 'move out' before bad weather occurs.

Originally Posted by DAVES (Post 2117264)

Far as legal. In the course of conversation it came up that a person we know lives on a large property in Florida. Due to the property size they can own 5 and a half horses. Where do you get half a horse? Do you choose left half or right half or front or back.

Sandhill cranes, wow they are interesting. We're crossing the street. We are in no rush so just sit and wait for us. Yes, we can fly. Yes, it would be considerate we are permanent Villagers.
Aside, you never see squashed ones so they are playing with Villagers

Originally Posted by DAVES (Post 2117264)

Far as legal. In the course of conversation it came up that a person we know lives on a large property in Florida. Due to the property size they can own 5 and a half horses. Where do you get half a horse? Do you choose left half or right half or front or back.