eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog

Hi,

Before we get started... Good news concerning the NovaBird motion-activated camera. (In one of the last posts I think I mentioned that the camera was automatically shutting itself off.) She seems to be doing just fine now. Today it snapped 180 shots including the pic below...



Now, using that scowling, inquisitive creature as a backdrop... I ask you, did you see the news reports concerning the average cost of heating a home using fuel oil or propane for the looming winter?!? It looks like we're talking about a figure creeping up on the $2,000 mark. (Higher Utility Bills Face Homeowners).

How's a working stiff going to afford birdseed or even a bite to eat for that matter?

Here's how...

• First things first... Be sure to thoroughly rummage through the U.S. Department of Energy, Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home site. A little jaunt through all that info can save you thousands of bucks right there.
• Next, (and this is going to sound strange), but in the winter time avoid "bottoming out" your thermostat in the morning when you go to work, and then "cranking it" when you get home at night. In general, it's best to keep the high and low temperatures within 5 to 10 degrees of each other. The reason for this is that if you allow the dwelling to cool down too much, it will take an excessive amount of energy to warm it back up. Making careful note of your heating bill on a monthly basis will help you find the ideal...
• Dressing in sweats, tube socks, bathrobes, and caps inside the home is a wonderful thing... Wear layers and you'll be surprised how much you can lower your heating bill.

Gotta run. But next time, I'm going to let you in on a few "energy-conservation secrets" from the shadowy world of a retired plumber's helper!

See you by those inexpensively warm feeders,

CapeCodAlan

P.S. Don't forget that you can view our Flickr site to see 1,600 neat photographs of birds etc.