When you move to a home with a lovely backyard, you probably being to fantasize about all of the wildlife that might wander in. However, you’re not going to attract any birds without the right setup. It’s important to arrange your yard in a way that creates a welcoming environment to all species of birds. Here’s how to get started on attracting birds to your yard:
1. Water Features:
Birds need water to survive just like any other living creature. However, birds might not always be aware of when you have made water available to them. The best way to alert them to the presence of a water source is by making them hear it. No, we don’t mean yelling out the window, “Hey, birds! Water, here!”. Install a small fountain, bubbler, or dripper in your yard. They can be relatively inexpensive but will make a huge difference in the number of birds that visit your yard.
2. A Variety of Treats:
You like different foods than other people, right? Well, some birds have different taste in snacks than other species! If you want multiple species of birds to visit your yard, you should have multiple varieties of seeds and treats for them. Some bird feeders feature different compartments so you can stock a few types of seeds for the birds who drop by your yard. New to the seed game? Black-oil sunflower seeds are an excellent place to start since they’re the most popular bird seed and will attract many species like blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows.
3. Hideaways:
If you expect your bird friends to call your yard their home, you’ll need to have some shelter for them. Many birds won’t even approach a bird feeder without first scoping it out from a safe, covered location like a bush. Placing your feeders near safe spots like these will attract more birds to your feeder. Plus, birds attract other birds! It’s a win-win. Just make sure your feeder isn’t too close to a bush as these make excellent hiding spots for the neighborhood felines. Setting them close but not too close gives the birds some time to escape in the event of a cat invasion.
4. Seed Litter:
While you’d like a bird would prefer to perch up high to snack and survey the yard, many bird species prefer to stay grounded. These larger species of birds won’t even land on a feeder and would rather munch seeds from off the ground. Patches of leaves on the ground will also create natural habitats for insects which can attract grub-eating birds.
5. Green Space:
Birds need a variety of habitats to live in. In addition to providing food and water for your winged friends, make sure you have a variety of greenery at different heights to appeal to multiple species. You might even want to consider plants or trees that bear fruits, berries, nuts, and nectar to provide year-round sustenance for your new yard inhabitants. These plants should also be dense enough to support nests for these birds.
If you’re interested in making your yard appealing to new little critters, you’ll need to make a few upgrades. Keeping these tips in mind as you landscape could invite a few new feathered friends to your yard!
Please stay healthy and we hope to hear from you soon to discuss your property search and status.
Until Next Time!
Semper-Fi
Eric