This ladder-backed woodpecker was attracted to a custom Hanging Stump bird feeder in the Garraway’s back yard in Mountain City. (Photo by David Renfro)
Mt. City Montage
by PAULINE TOM
Sometimes a gift just keeps on giving. So it is with the custom feeder the Garraways received at Christmas from his folks. It’s made from a cedar stump, with holes to hold a peanut butter concoction.
Kevin’s mom, Pert, says, “We got the idea of the cedar log feeder from the bird blind at Pedernales Falls State Park. I found that the stumps are even better than just the cedar logs. They have bigger perches.”
David Renfro, Kevin’s cousin, visited Mountain City and took photos. He sent word to Kevin, “You could probably go in business if you could find a bunch of those cedar stumps.”
The Hanging Stump Feeder attracts a wide array of birds including black-crested titmouses, ladder-backed woodpeckers, and golden-fronted woodpeckers.
“Woodpeckers? They peck holes in my siding!” some might say. This is most likely to be a problem for those who paint with a “woodsy” color like brown or green. Add a large nestbox painted a “woodsy” color with a stick nailed to the façade as a perch and add about two inches of pine straw and leaves inside the hard nestbox, to provide the missing element in the woodpecker’s habitat.
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Our local PAWS animal shelter needs donations. Loving Mountain City is collecting donations through Sunday. Give dog/puppy food, cat/kitten food, kitty litter, dog/cat treats, towels/blankets, bleach, laundry detergent, Fabuloso, dish soap, trash bags, pooper scoopers or, of course, cash.
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Happy birthday to David Medlock, March 5 and, around the corner, a belated happy birthday to Charlie Koehn, February 25.
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What “Montage” needs the most: Titbits! Give through [email protected] or 512-268-5678. Thanks! Love to you, Pauline.
