Attracting birds to your backyard is a rewarding experience, offering hours of entertainment and a connection with nature. A well-stocked bird feeder is a great start, but attracting feathered friends requires more than just filling it with seed. This comprehensive guide will explore various techniques to lure a variety of birds to your backyard, transforming it into a vibrant avian haven.
What Kinds of Birds Live in My Area?
Before you even think about buying birdseed, take some time to identify the common bird species in your region. This will significantly influence your choices regarding feeders, seed types, and even the placement of your feeders. Local birdwatching groups, field guides, or online resources like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website are excellent resources for identifying local species and their preferences. Understanding what birds you want to attract is the first step in attracting them.
What Type of Bird Feeder Should I Use?
Different bird feeders cater to different bird species and feeding styles. Consider these options:
- Tube feeders: These are popular and ideal for smaller birds like finches and chickadees, often dispensing seeds through small perches.
- Hopper feeders: Hopper feeders hold a larger quantity of seed, often with multiple feeding ports, attracting a wider variety of birds.
- Platform feeders: These are open trays perfect for larger birds like doves and jays, though they are also more susceptible to squirrels.
- Suet feeders: Suet, a high-energy food source, is particularly attractive to woodpeckers and nuthatches. These feeders are often cages or blocks holding the suet.
What Kind of Birdseed Should I Use?
Choosing the right birdseed is crucial. Different birds prefer different types of seed:
- Black oil sunflower seeds: A popular choice, loved by most birds for its high oil content and ease of shelling.
- Nyjer (thistle) seeds: A tiny seed favored by goldfinches and other smaller birds. It's best used in specialized feeders.
- White-striped sunflower seeds: A less expensive option than black oil sunflower seeds, but still popular with many birds.
- Milo: A type of sorghum grain that attracts doves and sparrows.
- Cracked corn: A favorite of larger ground-feeding birds.
Where Should I Place My Bird Feeder?
Placement is key to attracting birds and deterring predators:
- Location: Choose a spot that offers protection from the elements (rain, snow, direct sun) and offers a clear view of the surroundings. This allows birds to spot predators easily. Avoid placing feeders directly under overhanging branches, where cats might hide.
- Height: Mount the feeder at least 4-5 feet off the ground to deter ground predators like cats and raccoons.
- Proximity to cover: Position the feeder near bushes or trees, offering birds a safe place to escape predators and rest.
How Often Should I Clean My Bird Feeder?
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Empty, scrub, and thoroughly dry the feeder at least once a month, or more often during warm, humid weather.
What Else Can I Do to Attract Birds?
Beyond feeders and seed, consider these factors:
- Water source: Provide a birdbath or shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing. A dripping faucet or fountain is even more enticing.
- Shelter: Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide shelter and nesting sites. Birds are naturally drawn to areas with protective cover.
- Minimize pesticides: Avoid using pesticides in your yard, as they can harm birds directly or reduce their food sources.
Why Aren't Birds Coming to My Feeder?
If you're not seeing birds, consider these possibilities:
- Location: Is your feeder visible and easily accessible, yet also protected from predators?
- Seed type: Are you offering seeds that attract birds in your region? Experiment with different types.
- Cleanliness: Is your feeder clean and free from disease-causing bacteria or mold?
- Competition: Are squirrels or other animals monopolizing your feeder? Consider using squirrel-resistant feeders.
How Can I Keep Squirrels Away From My Bird Feeder?
Squirrels are notorious bird feeder raiders. Consider these strategies:
- Squirrel-resistant feeders: These feeders have baffles or other mechanisms to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.
- Placement: Place your feeders in locations that are difficult for squirrels to access, such as hanging them from a sturdy branch high in a tree.
- Alternative food sources: Offer squirrels alternative food sources away from your bird feeder, such as a separate feeder with corn or nuts.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting a wide variety of birds to your backyard, creating a lively and beautiful natural environment. Remember that patience is key; it may take some time for birds to discover your new feeder. But with persistence and the right approach, you'll soon be enjoying the company of your feathered friends.
