Photo by Chris Bosak
A Black-capped Chickadee grabs a seed from a bird feeder as a White-breasted Nuthatch bides its time before grabbing a seed.

I received a neat bird feeder as a house-warming gift recently from a friend. I debated whether to actually use it as a bird feeder or to keep it inside as a decoration. I ultimately figured that it would serve both purposes outdoors on the deck. It would be a nice decoration outside and feed the birds.

But would it really attract birds? It is unlike any bird feeder I’ve ever had before. There’s only one way to find out and that is to put some seeds in it. Within minutes the chickadees came. Then the titmice came. Finally the nuthatches checked it out and took some seeds.

After the seeds were gone, I put some whole peanuts in there and waited. Sure enough, within a day or two, the Blue Jays found it.

It’s been a very popular feeder with the birds — and a nice decoration for the deck. Thanks for the thoughtful gift, Lorna!