The best part about having a feeder is getting that rare feathered friend fly in for a meal. Research which birds make migratory paths in your area and Help make your aviary even brighter with an eclectic mix of birds with these tips.
Assortment of Feeders and Homes
From larger perching space to a variety of habitat holes, be sure to mix up your feeders. What is attractive to one bird may be too small for another species. Research your dream bird and understand their likes from nesting preferences to seed and create that environment around your birdhouse. Create a feeding and living environment that is quiet and enables birds to spot danger easily.
Consider adding a squirrel-proof feeder or squirrel baffles to your yard. If birds are being scared off by squirrels this may be a contributing factor, to why they aren’t visiting or staying long to feed.
Variety of Food
Ensure your feeder has quality seed that doesn’t have needless fillers. Not all birds are attracted to the same type of food, variety in your offering is key. Mix up the feed you purchase with a new seed option. There are many varieties to choose from and the birds that enjoy it are typically on the package. Be sure the feed you try fits into the appropriate feeder to avoid waste or trouble accessing. Discard old food before refilling and clean feeders regularly to minimize mold and bacteria. Add Nyjer seed to your feeder to attract Finches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, and other small-billed seed-eating birds.
Mealworms offer high-protein which in turn provides a high-energy treat. Chickadees, bluebirds, wrens, towhees, woodpeckers, robins, catbirds, nuthatches, thrashers, and more enjoy this natural treat.
Using a blend of fruit and nut seeds/grains help provide high energy for flyers. Attracts cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and other colorful songbirds.
Black oil sunflower seeds attract smaller songbirds with its high oil content. It is the birdseed
preferred by the greatest variety of birds like Buntings, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Nuthatches, and Pine Siskins.
Garden Options
When adding any new plants or shrubs for the birds always think about the location and proximity to possible threats to the birds. Place your garden additions near the feeders so they can fly in and nest back in.
Consider adding seed-bearing flowers to your landscape, besides being nice to look at they also provide shelter and sustenance for the flock. Berry-bearing trees and shrubs offer food and shelter a winning combination to birds in competition at feeders.
Water Source
Not all birds who fly in are looking for a feast. Depending upon the conditions, water can be scarce or too risky to access. Provide an oasis of water with a birdbath or mister. The noise, movement and reflections in the water will be eye-catching if your food isn’t. The water source should be clean and no be deeper than 2-3 inches as birds like shallow water.
Can’t Beat Em’ Join Em
Adding a realistic decoy of your dream bird may draw their attention. Make sure the decoy is accurate in size, color and shape. Add the bird near the feeder and food they are attracted to the best.
Source: acehardware.com ~ Image: Canva Pro