Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tektronix!tekecs!nobody
From: nobody@tekecs.GWD.TEK.COM (-for inetd server command)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Suet feeding in warm weather - good idea or bad?
Summary: not a good idea
Keywords: suet, birds
Message-ID: <11130@tekecs.GWD.TEK.COM>
Date: 12 Mar 89 18:38:51 GMT
References: <4902@sfsup.UUCP>
Reply-To: barbaraz@bj.WV.TEK.COM (Barbara Zanzig)
Organization: ITD, Tektronix Inc., Wilsonville, OR
Lines: 24

In article <4902@sfsup.UUCP> mattk@sfsup.UUCP (+Kaufman M.E.) writes:
> Hi there.
> I have recently (this winter) begun feeding my numerous
> backyard birds (woodpeckers and  starlings[unfortunately] mostly)
> from a suet feeder. Is it a good idea to continue feeding suet
> even during the warmer weather? I plan to continue putting out

According to The Birder's Handbook, (c. 1988 by Paul R. Erlich, David
S.  Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, ISBN 0-671-65989-8 - an excellent book,
by the way):

"Sun-warmed suet mats feathers, which can result in reduced insulation
and waterproofing, inflamed or infected follicles, and loss of facial
feathers."

It mentions bare-faced Downy Woodpeckers in particular, then goes on
about moldy seed and fermented nectar and the trouble *those* cause.

Sounds like continuing your suet feeder into the warm weather isn't a
good idea.

Barbara Zanzig
{major backbone sites}!tektronix!orca!barbaraz
barbaraz@orca.wv.tek.com