Ways to Attract Avian Friends to Your Yard
In Ocean Shores bird watchers may be able to find up to 300 species of our feathered friends if they look hard enough. Many are migratory, while others live here year-round. Some are found in marshes, some at the beach, while others hang out in fields, forests, or freshwater lakes. If you like birds and would like more of them to visit your backyard, there are several easy ways to create a welcoming oasis for them.
A popular way to attract birds is with bird feeders. You can install various types of bird feeders to attract a diverse range of bird species. Use different types of seeds such as sunflower seeds, thistle, and suet to cater to the varied bird preferences.
There are a few concerns that wildlife experts have with home feeders. Be sure to keep the feeders, and the area underneath clean as the seed and waste from the birds can create an unhygienic environment for you, the birds, and other wildlife. Also, a common problem with bird feeders is they can attract unwanted wildlife like racoons, bears, and rats. And avoid attracting too many species to one feeder. The close proximity of different bird species at a feeder can spread avian illnesses that would not normally happen in nature. Always monitor any feeder you have in your yard and adjust conditions as necessary.
Another popular way to encourage birds to visit your yard is with a birdbath. They need water for drinking and bathing, so a birdbath can be a significant draw for many species. Maintain a shallow birdbath with clean and fresh water to see which birds come visit.
Another great and natural way to attract birds is with native plants. Including more native plants in your landscaping provides natural food sources, shelter, and nesting sites for birds. Native plants also attract insects that birds feed on, helping create a more balanced ecosystem.
You may want to encourage birds to nest in your yard by installing birdhouses or nesting boxes. Be sure the design and size of the boxes match the preferences of the birds you want to attract. Try leaving some dead trees in your yard or create artificial roosting spots using branches.
In addition, you can plant trees and dense shrubs that offer shelter and protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Birds will appreciate places to rest and hide when needed! Include berry-producing plants like holly and elderberry which provide a natural food source for birds during the colder months.
Nesting birds will also appreciate extra nesting materials. Leave out materials like twigs, leaves, and grass clippings that birds can use for building their nests. Leaving some leaf litter on the ground also attracts insects that birds feed on. Be sure to minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden as they can be harmful to birds and their food sources. Instead, opt for natural alternatives or integrated pest management techniques.
Many homeowners have experienced birds accidentally flying into their windows (particularly large windows). One way to keep birds safe is to place decals or stickers on the windows to prevent them from thinking your window is an open space.
If you have cats, keep them indoors, use a cat enclosure, or attach a bell to their collar to help prevent them from hurting birds. Cats can pose a significant threat to bird populations.
Finally, migratory birds can become disoriented with excess outdoor lighting at night, so when possible, keep the lights around your house to a minimum in the evenings. Using motion sensor lighting is one option.
It might take some time for birds to discover your backyard. Be patient and observe the behavior of local bird species to adjust your offerings accordingly. Different bird species have unique preferences, so creating a diverse and bird-friendly environment will attract a wider variety of birds to your backyard.
Enjoy the thrill of birdwatching as your backyard becomes a haven for these delightful creatures!
For more info on this article, or the community garden, email us at info@gardenbytheseaoceanshores.org.
