SPACE
Birds of a feather. More people feed birds in the fall than watch football, according to Cole’s Wild Bird Products Co. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cole’s says bird feeding is “in” because it’s relaxing and attracts birds to yards, helping beautify winter surroundings. It also can be done by people of virtually all ages and abilities. The following bird feeding advice is from Cole’s. Read more at .
To attract the widest variety of birds, landscape your property with plants that offer birds cover and natural foods, and always provide a source of water.
It’s best for birds to get their “hand- outs” at a feeding station as food that sits on the ground is exposed to potential contamination from dampness, mold, bacteria, animal droppings, lawn fertilizers and pesticides.
Be patient. It can seem like forever before birds notice a new feeder.
If you fill your feeder only after it’s been empty for awhile, birds will look for food elsewhere. They’ll return as long as you continue to fill it.
There are various styles of feeders to choose from. Websites like are a good resource.
ENERGY
Prevent dryer fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that in 2006, there were 17,700 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines. The leading cause of dryer fires is failure to properly clean the appliance. “Dryer fires are preventable,” says Craig Clark of Mr. Appliance of the Denver Metro Area. The following tips “will help prevent fires and potentially protect homes and save lives,” he says. To learn more about dryer maintenance, visit .
Keep the dryer as lint-free as possible by cleaning the lint screen or filter before or after each load of clothes.
Keep the exhaust duct in good condition by disconnecting, cleaning, and inspecting it on a regular basis. If the opening outside the house is low to the ground, check it monthly for leaves, birds’ nests and other debris.
Use semi-rigid or flexible aluminum ducting behind the dryer and smooth rigid metallic ducting through the wall to the outside vent. Avoid using white vinyl hose. Metallic ducting will withstand heat better.
The exhaust should vent only to the outside of the house — never to the attic or crawlspace.
The vents should be as straight as possible, with all excess venting trimmed off. Twisting or crushing exhaust piping restricts the airflow.
Try not to use screws to put your vent pipe together, because the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.
