Native plants that provide seeds, berries and insects are the best and most natural way to offer food for wild birds. You can supplement that with feeders. Here are some tips:. There are a large number of bird species that stay on the ground to feed and seldom, if ever, land on feeders.
They will often gobble up seeds that have fallen from the feeders and others will scratch around in small piles or mats of leaf litter you can place around the yard. This leaf litter is a natural habitat for many insects and gives insect and grub-eating birds such as robins, towhees and thrashers, hours of quality snack time.
They will then return immediately to the relative protection of shrubbery or trees. Keep an eye out, however, for neighborhood cats. They like to lie in wait in vegetation that may be too close to the feeder. Allowing a few feet between a cat hiding place and a bird feeder will give the birds time to react and get away. Birds also attract other birds. These curious creatures listen for activity in the area and like to see what is going on.
The main thing about attracting birds to your yard or deck is to let it happen over time and enjoy it. As birds begin to find your place you will be amazed at how many you see. Remember to keep up with the food and water supplies, especially in the winter when you can help dozens of birds survive the cold.
Remember too, that a good bird identification guide will add to the fun. This Bill Saves Wildlife in Crisis. Urge Congress to Support It. Learn More. Our beloved wildlife ambassador has been creating lifelong connections with nature for generations.
Donate Take Action. Offering shallow bird baths one to three inches deep or even building a small pond in your yard will help birds stay clean and hydrated.
Birds listen for moving water, so adding a pump or mister that creates fresh, bubbling water will draw even more feathered friends to your yard. If you live in a cold climate, you may also want to invest in a heater or de-icer to keep your bird bath or pond from freezing. Birds bathe year-round, but often struggle to find water sources in the winter, so having fresh water will make your yard a desirable destination.
Planting a garden with bird-friendly plants is one of the most significant changes you can make when learning how to attract birds to your yard. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees are great choices because they will naturally attract birds that live in your area and strengthen your local ecosystem.
Birds are also drawn to bright colors especially the color of their own species , an attraction that comes from their breeding instincts. Native species are known for their colorful flowers and berries, so they can do double duty when it comes to attracting birds.
Birds like relatively dense shrubs and trees, so consider this when deciding where to plant your new additions. Not sure where to get started with your garden?
Check out some of our favorite plants that attract birds. In addition to creating shelter with greenery, some birds like bluebirds, sparrows, and chickadees like the safety, warmth, and shelter of a bird box or bird house.
Native plants are most beneficial as they are best adapted to the weather extremes of your local climate. Whether in your yard or through container gardening, selecting a mix of species will provide the best variety in terms of offering different habitat layers for your birds and enticing them to your birdscape.
When it comes to attracting birds, there is one pest you will surely have to contend with — squirrels. While you may want some squirrels in your yard, they can quickly become a nuisance and stage a hostile takeover of your feeders. Squirrels have been known to have voracious appetites for bird seed and together with their athletic ability, they present quite the challenge for backyard bird watchers. There are several strategies you can employ to squirrel-proof your feeders.
Feeder designs have come a long way and you can find a variety of squirrel-proofing options on the market. Some are weight-balanced to throw the squirrels off, while others simply put a barrier, such as a wire mesh, between the food source and the curious critter. Other deterrents include installing a baffle on your feeder pole or using homemade remedies like bacon grease on the pole to prevent them from getting enough grip to make it to the feeder.
Of course, feeder location also plays a critical role. The more easily accessible to squirrels, the more likely you will be to wage war on these inquisitive rodents. One of the most often overlooked tasks when it comes to attracting birds to your backyard is feeder maintenance.
Birds will avoid a dirty or unclean bird feeder, so regular cleanings are a necessity. All feeders need to be cleaned regularly to reduce the chance of spreading disease and parasites where birds congregate, keeping your birds safe and healthy.
If you notice a drop in feeder attendance, the seed may be wet or moldy and, therefore, unattractive to your feathered friends. Regularly cleaning your feeder will not only prevent the spread of disease but will give you a chance to discard any unused or moldy seed that is bad for the birds.
Feeders should be regularly checked and washed with a mild mixture of dish soap, dilute bleach, and warm water and left to dry before being refilled. To minimize the risk to ground-feeding birds, clean up hulls and spilled seeds underneath feeders or any area birds congregate.
The best way to lure birds to your yard is with the right plants. Attract local birds with the species they are most familiar with as rich food sources and appropriate shelter. Native plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers will not only be most beneficial to the local climate. They will provide a familiar place for your feathered friends. Consult online plant databases to see what works best for your area or visit your local nursery to speak to an expert.
Not only are native plants better suited to attract more birds, but they require less maintenance because they are uniquely adapted to the local climate. Selecting a mix of plants to fill a variety of needs will give you the best chance at enticing birds to your yard. Seed-producing flowers and plants are a welcome food source, while thorny bushes like hawthorn or raspberry offer beneficial nesting sites. Of course, evergreens and berry-producing shrubs are also beneficial flora when it comes to creating the perfect backyard birdscape.
Very helpful information! I live in the Chihuahuahan desert of southern New Mexico. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tempt with the right treats With a variety of different feeders, you are on the right track to attracting a gaggle of birds to your yard. The location of the feeder is the key When trying to attract a wide variety of birds to your yard, the location of the feeder is key.
Install a bird bath Attracting birds to your yard is more than just providing a reliable food source. Seek attention with bright colors Birds are naturally attracted to bright colors, so pique their attention by offering a variety of colors around your yard. Install a bird house The shelter is a key factor in making birds feel safe and more likely to make your yard their home.
Encourage nesting in your yard There are a variety of ways to encourage nesting and attract birds to raise their family in your backyard. Install a perching stick All birds need a place to rest, preen, or simply take in the landscape. Create a bird-friendly landscape Perhaps one of the best ways to attract birds to your backyard is to create a bird-friendly landscape for them to enjoy.
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