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Something for the birds Spring Home Living Pag* 13 By Marie Smith Bird lovers spend millions of dollars every year in this country on seed to attract birds to their back yards and gardens. Except for the true en­ thusiasts, however, most people are not well informed enough to insure they get the most for their money. The University of Illinois Extension office recommends that people select seed that will be attractive to the type of birds they wish to attract, not just the seed that is the most inexpensive and easist to obtain. Most wild bird mixes contain millet, sunflower, cracked corn and milo. A good mix should contain mainly white millet, with some red millet also being acceptable. Oil sunflower seeds are eaten b by more kinds of birds than the striped variety. Milo is not attractive to most birds, and mixes that contain large amounts of it should be avoided. A good wild bird mix should attract goldfinches, purple finches, cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, blue jays, morning doves and native sparrows. Although safflower is attractive to some birds, most prefer the other seeds included in the wild mixes. Thistle is very attractive to finches, including goldfinches, purple finches, pine siskins, red polls and house finches, but it is also very expensive. For some people, it may be beneficial to purchase specific seed types seperately, rather than in a mix. By purchasing specific types, a desired species of bird can be attracted, without bringing in less desired species, too. This also cuts down on waste since most birds will simply push seed out of the feeder that they iina less tasty in order to get to their favorites. Experts caution against filling a feeder too late into the fall, unless the feeder will be refilled throughout the whole winter. Birds can become dependent on the feeder and if that food supply is cut off they may not be able to find an alternative source during the harsh winter months. This leaves the birds without a food source when they need it most and may result in their death. The National Audubon Society ad­ vises that gardens and back yards can also be landscaped to offer additional food as well as shelter for birds. The society recommends a "lazy land­ scape", which means letting the yard go as natural as possible. This may not win points with neighbors, but the birds will like it. SALE (Continued from page 12) wants to buy dirty clothes. STEP FOUR - Set Your Sale Up Right Start preparing the week before the sale for the display. Survey the items you plan to sell and deter­ mine how many tables you will need to display them. Collect grocery bags for wrapping pur­ chases and set aside an extension cord to test electrical appliances. Have a yardstick or measuring tape on hand. If you don't have a suitable rack to display clothing on hangers, im­ provise by stretching a chain or cord between walls. Mow the lawn. Shoppers won't appreciate having to trek through a jungle to get to your display. If you anticipate hot weather, ar­ range areas where customers can find shade. On the eve of your sale, put up road signs. Travel the route laid out by them and place them in highly visible locations. Be sure your house is easy to find. Then go home, set the alarm clock and get a good night's sleep. On the morning of the sale, wake up early, have a quick breakfast, and start setting up right away. Put your big, eye-catching mer­ chandise out front. Display everything else neatly on tables if you can. Group similar items together. Items sold as a set, or priced identically, should be displayed that way. Avoid cluttering and piling. Leave plenty of room between rows for browsing, and put everything within easy reach. Set up your checkout table and cash box so customers will have to walk past you as they leave. Finally, put up a "welcome" sign. After you've set up, walk to the sidewalk and look back at your display. Is the entire display visi­ ble from the street? Does it ap­ pear neat and organized? Are the major items the first things you see? Is the "welcome" sign pro­ minent? When you're satisfied, it's time to open. Welcome Home. I | 0NMN( KlTCffir: A n-2• n-« J „ Li_L MMM 1 I a 12 7 a 11 4 i Mill 4 L _EL BAUMAN CONSTRUCTION 815-338-2759 •Fully insulated a Thermal-crafted TMhome that's energy efficient! •Wood windows with storm and screen combination triple glazed • Insulated metal clad entrance door •Kitchen cabinets, bath and light fixtures included •A complete home painted, stained and carpeted •2x6exterior walls •Full basement included •Completed on your lot '44,900.00 A Loan For All Reasons © ffl a Get you car, home improvement, boat or home mortgage loan from the Fl RST. It's simple. For current rates and more information visit us today. CALL TODAY PHONE (815)385-5400 M JTFIRS Is* tOUAL HOUSING LENDER • Member FDIC FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MCHENRY 3814 WEST ELM STREET McHENBY, ILLINOIS v ,V.V W ;,V. .•*. 3̂ 385.5400'