When you have guests, you feed them. It’s only polite. | Joe Myers via Wikimedia Commons
Our local skies house everything from kingbirds to hummingbirds. So how can you invite them to your garden?
Feed them, of course. Late winter to early spring is a crucial time for putting out birdfeeders, as natural food sources may be depleted. Let’s fly through some need-to-knows to keep you popular with the local birds.
Seed feeders are the most versatile. Black-oil sunflower seeds appeal to the greatest number of birds, according to the Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding. They’ve also got homemade recipes that everyone will be chirping about.
Suet (or beef fat) is a high-energy treat for bug eaters, and you can make a DIY feeder from an onion bag. Be warned: warmer weather turns suet cakes rancid, which keeps birds away.
Nectar feeders give hummingbirds and orioles a sweet treat. Opt for a low-capacity feeder to make sure you’re cleaning it regularly.
Browse Wild Birds Unlimited to get a feel for the different types. Then, mix and match to make your home the flock of the town.
The perfect setup 🪶
You want to give songbirds an easy meal — not squirrels, cats, or birds of prey — so set up the perfect perch.
The magic numbers for a feeder pole are 30 ft from any windows and 10 ft from cover, particularly native plant cover. In fact, you can even spruce up your garden with bird-friendly plants.
Maintenance 🪶
Monitoring your feeders is key to keeping the local ecosystem healthy. Clean seed feeders twice a year (in the spring and fall), and keep an eye out after rain.
To avoid avian diseases (and connect with other birders), keep tabs on the local Audubon Society. Call Texas Parks and Wildlife and take down your feeders if something seems amiss.
POLL
How often do you go on vacation?
A. Once a year B. 2-3 times a year C. 4-5 times a year D. 5+ times a year E. What’s a vacation?
Congratulations to Tyler R. for winning a $50 gift card to our online shop, Six & Main. Did you know you could be our next winner? Answer this week’s survey questions for a chance to score a gift card!
Blue Mondays with R & R Musicians Pro Jam Sessions | Monday, Mar. 27 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fitzgerald’s Bar, 437 McCarty Rd., Ste. 101, San Antonio | Free | All pro musicians are invited to come out to enjoy the sweet sounds of the blues + participate in the jam.
Tuesday, March 28
Classic Movie Showing - “Ace in the Hole” | Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Thousand Oaks Library, 4618 Thousand Oaks Dr., San Antonio | Free | Watch the 1951 Kirk Douglas classic about a disgraced newspaper reporter and a rescue gone awry.
Meet the Maker, Charlie Garrison| Tuesday, Mar. 28 | 6-9 p.m. | 1 Watson, 111 Soledad St., San Antonio | Free | Learn the proper way to nose and taste bourbon whiskey while hearing the story of how Garrison Brothers got its start.
Musician Open Mic Jam Night | Tuesday, Mar. 28-Thursday, Mar. 30 | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Fitzgerald’s Bar, 437 McCarty Rd., Ste. 101, San Antonio | Get your 15 minutes of fame with this open mic event, which gives you the option to perform solo, with the band, with others, or a combination of the three.
Wednesday, March 29
Farmer’s Market at Woodlawn Pointe | Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 1-6 p.m. | Woodlawn Pointe, 702 Donaldson Ave., San Antonio | Free | Join this neighborhood market for farm-fresh produce, local baked breads, pickles, and other pantry staples.
Charcuterie Class by Tim The Girl Catering | Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Good Kind Southtown, 1127 S. St Mary’s St., San Antonio | $45 | Say cheese for a delicious charcuterie class, including two glasses of wine and a beautiful board to take home.
Thursday, March 30
Rick Cavender Band | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Krause’s Cafe & Biergarten, 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels | Price of purchase | Hear the outfit recently voted “Best Band in San Antonio” by readers of San Antonio Magazine.
March Wine & Dine: “An Italian Lenten Feast” | Thursday, Mar. 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Copa Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy., San Antonio | $75 | Enjoy four courses of classic Italian dishes, each with a wine to pair.
Plan ahead with our community events calendar below.
After the recent Career Day, a junior student shared, “I learned so much... this experience helped me realize I have so many opportunities I can achieve through Providence.” | Photo provided by Providence Catholic School
Providence Catholic School provides girls (grades 6-12) with a well-rounded education featuring:
A variety of clubs + leadership positions
Diverse elective opportunities, including fine arts and athletics
A safe and welcoming environment
From career days to STEM activities and internships in the community, PCS encourages students to excel both in and out of the classroom.
Think PCS could be a good fit for your daughter? Prospective students can shadow Provets (current students) to see if the school is a good fit or attend a campus event this spring.*
The last day to register to vote in the San Antonio general election is Thursday, April 6. Early voting takes place Monday, April 24 through Tuesday, May 2 before election day on Saturday, May 6. Find your polling location.
Sports
The 101st Valero Texas Open returns to the Alamo City today through Sunday, April 2. The golf tournament takes place at the The Oaks course at TPC San Antonio. Get tickets.
Coming Soon
“The University of Texas at San Antonio Works from the Permanent Collection,” a new art exhibit at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, will open Thursday, March 30, and remain on display through January 2024. Featured artists include Graciela Iturbide, Shepard Fairey, and Elliott Erwitt.
Has spring sprung in your home yet? If you’re looking to get outdoors, these wipeable tablecloths are just begging for some alfresco dining, and these garden and herb labels will get you in a planting mood. Plus, this viral birdfeeder practically brings the birds inside with you.
The spring season is the perfect time to treat yourself. We’re eyeing this six-piece bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. What’s even sweeter? These chocolates are made fresh without preservatives.
Finance
Experts at The Ascent have sorted through hundreds of credit cards so far this year. And their top five bonus cardsare (cue drumroll)... these five. *
Bonus bird advice for River City: Feeding waterfowl is a bad idea. Most of what people feed ducks and swans isn’t nutritious, and can even be harmful, while they’re very good at finding food on their own. Still want to help the birds? Volunteer to keep the river clean.
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