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Pro tips on feeding Raleigh birds

Help feed the birds in Raleigh

Help feed Raleigh’s birds. | Photo by RALtoday

Our local skies house everything from goldfinches to bluebirds. 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.

🪶 Feeder types

There are three basic types of feeders: seed, suet, and nectar.

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 feet from any windows and 10 feet 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 every two weeks, and keep an eye out after rain.

To avoid avian diseases (and connect with other birders), keep tabs on the local Audubon Society. Call the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and take down your feeders if something seems amiss.

Asked

What year was the Northern cardinal adopted as NC’s state bird?

A. 1889
B. 1943
C. 1952
D. 1988

Squawk this way

Events

Thursday, April 13

Puff, Puff, Paint | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Burnt Pot Hemp Cafe, 8604 Falls of Neuse Rd., Ste. 105, Raleigh | $50 | Relax with hemp-infused drinks and learn some beginner acrylic painting skills with Leitner Studios; this event is 21+.

Friday, April 14

Rooftop Storytime | Friday, Apr. 14 | 10-11 a.m. | The Willard Rooftop, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Local children’s book author Rebecca Wheeler will lead this family-friendly storytelling event.
Mt. Joy | Friday, Apr. 14 | 8 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | $48-$58 | See this five-piece indie rock band perform downtown.

Saturday, April 15

Oakwood Garden Club’s 34th Annual Garden Tour | Saturday, Apr. 15-Sunday, Apr. 16 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Historic Oakwood, 418 N. Person St., Raleigh | $25-$45 | Take a self-guided walking tour though Historic Oakwood’s fabulous gardens.
The North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 12-6 p.m. | Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Free | The Pit is closing down Raleigh’s main street for live bluegrass music, delicious BBQ, and local beer to support local children’s charities.
Enchanted: A Party With Style | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 4-8 p.m. | Pine State Public House, 410 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 300, Raleigh | $10 | Dress to impress at this party featuring a fashion show; this event is 21+.

Sunday, April 16

Rooftop Jazz Brunch | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $55 | Listen to smooth entertainment by pianist Jonathan Markow, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe brunch, and eat donuts provided by Tepuy Donuts.
All A-Board with Skate Raleigh | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Raleigh Union Station, 510 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $40-$150 | Enjoy an evening featuring BMX performances, art auctions, food, and music in support of Raleigh’s first skate park.

Start planning your weekend

Click here to have your event featured.

Eat

Food

Meet the chef: Mike Davis of Columbia, SC’s Terra

Presented by a RALtoday Partner

Chef Mike Davis in apron and uniform standing in restaurant

Chef Mike Davis opened Terra back in 2006, and the restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades in the years since. | Photo courtesy of Sean Rayford

Have you eaten your way through SC’s state capital recently? With a number of food districts in and around the city, it’s easy to plan an itinerary around Columbia’s culinary offerings. The hard part is narrowing down your options.

One spot we love to stop at when we’re in the area: Terra, located in West Columbia just over the picturesque Gervais Street Bridge. We recently got to pick the brain of its owner and executive chef, Mike Davis — here’s what he had to say:

Q: How long have you been a chef at Terra? What do you enjoy most about working there?

A: We opened Terra 16 years ago. The thing that I most enjoy about owning a restaurant is my interaction with our guests. I tell my cooks all the time that outside of being a rock star, very few professions have the ability to instantly see how your work affects others. When people are at a table with their friends and loved ones, and they are stoked from the experience of eating at my restaurant, there is nothing better. It never gets old to me, and allows me to forget the long hours and hard work.

Q: What is your cooking style?

A: Seasonal is how I best describe it. I always try to work with produce that is in season together. It allows us to work with nature, and highlight what comes from the earth at that time of year.

Q: What are your favorite items on the menu?

A: Honestly, it’s always what is newest on the menu at that moment. Right now that would be our “brussel-nomoyaki,” a take on the traditional Japanese cabbage pancake using crispy Brussels instead of cabbage — and a batter. Also, it is soft shell crab season, which is the ultimate in seasonality. We only have them for a few weeks each spring!

Q: Describe the Columbia restaurant scene in a few words.

A: I think it is evolving. I love to see new places opening, serving different cuisines, and the city embracing all of it.

Wondering what restaurants to add to your list in addition to Terra? Learn more about Cola’s culinary scene.*

Bon appetit, RAL

News Notes

Open

Local record store Sound Off Records & Hi-Fi moved to the Warehouse District at 608 W. South St. The new location offers more space for used vinyl records and vintage audio equipment. Plus, there is free street parking nearby.
Frills Atelier, a sustainable fashion accessory and up-cycled vintage shop, is now open at the Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street. Keep up-to-date with the boutique’s hours and a grand opening announcement on Instagram.

Development

Grubb Ventures, one of the developers behind Raleigh Iron Works, submitted a 20-story rezoning request along Capital Boulevard last week. The request is for a parcel at 2499 Ratchford Dr., which is currently zoned for up to three stories. Plans for the development have not yet been released. (Triangle Business Journal)

Community

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance and Urban Pothos are teaming up for the City of Oaks’ first Plant Week Monday, May 8-Saturday, May 13. The week will feature events like propagation workshops, terrarium workshops, and a plant people meet-up at multiple local shops. Stay tuned for more info.

Festival

Brewgaloo is looking for volunteers to help out at its annual craft beer festival on Friday, April 21 + Saturday, April 22. Tasks range from helping with setup to pouring brews. Participants will receive perks like free drink tickets, a festival T-shirt, and more. Volunteer for free beer.

Try This

So, you think you’re funny? Goodnights Comedy Club is hosting its annual NC’s Funniest Person Contest this summer. More than 150 up-and-coming comedians will compete for this title and the chance to win a $3,000 prize. Sign ups are open now until Monday, May 8.

Shop

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift (minus the hours of searching)? Treat mom to a mountain getaway with The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “Mother’s Day Made Easy” special. See what’s in the package. Hint: It just might include a $50 spa credit, breakfast, sparkling wine + more.*

Pets

Calling all pet owners: Did you know TREK Vitality sells CBD products for your four-legged family members? Think: CBD Oil, Relief Bites, Calming Bites, and more. Browse 13 of the best CBD dog treats on the market.*

Feel Good

Get ready for a buzz-worthy update on the Park Point bees in RTP — the first supers have been added for honey production. Supers, short for superstructure, are upper-story hive boxes placed over brood chambers to collect honey. Follow along to see how much honey the Park Point bees produce this year.*

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Raleigh? For City Editor Cat, it’s Ireland with her family — to visit their roots. Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Coming Soon

🍽️ Ajja is bringing vibrant food to Five Points

Chef Cheetie Kumar is bringing vibrant food to Five Points

Cheetie Kumar sitting on a bartop with Paul Siler beside her.

Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar collaborated to create Ajja. | Photo by Baxter Miller

Garland Chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler plan to open a new restaurant in Raleigh’s Five Points very soon. Ajja, meaning “come over” in Hindi/Urdu, will feature foods from different cultures made with vibrant spices and different cooking techniques drawn from the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Much like the now shuttered Garland, this foodie destination will continue the restaurant’s tradition of highlighting the rich story of NC’s growers by using fresh ingredients. Along with its stylish indoor space, the eatery will include an outdoor bar, extensive dining area under a covered patio, and a large fire pit with views of Raleigh’s skyline.

Adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop, guests can expect shareable menu items like skewered grilled meats and veggies with bold flavors.

An opening date has not yet been announced, but you can sign up for updates on Ajja’s website. Plus, we’ll keep you in the loop.

The Wrap

Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat

Answered: The Northern cardinal was adopted as NC’s state bird in 1943.

From the editor

Shout out to Raleigh-based photographer Anna Haddock for taking our team headshots yesterday. We had such a fun time posing and frolicking around Fred Fletcher Park. Be on the lookout for a fresh new photo coming soon.

Send her an email for booking inquiries — you won’t regret it.

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