attracting birds to your backyard
As seasons come and go throughout the year, people everywhere in the U.S. witness more than just the leaves changing and the flowers budding. They can also bask in the breathtaking array of birds as they migrate. Whether it’s Canadian Snow Geese on a lake or the quiet, sweet song of a dove in spring, people watch and admire all kinds of birds in their particular neck of the woods.
Some people go so far as to attract a particular species to their backyards to observe them from the comfort of their own homes. As intriguing as it is, attracting birds to your backyard is easier said than done. Several factors are crucial to producing the desired results and getting an up close and personal view of your favorite bird. Here are some of the most beautiful birds that call America’s backyard their home as well as how you can make your backyard a safe and comfortable place for them.
The Blue Jay
With its bright blue plumage, it’s no wonder why this bird is a favorite of many. Its range is from southern Canada to the central and eastern United States.
How To Attract The Blue Jay
You can attract Blue Jays by leaving out sunflower seeds, peanuts (shelled or unshelled), acorns, fruits, and invertebrates. With that said, it is essential that you have the correct feeder for this bird, as they are larger than what many feeders can accommodate. They prefer feeders where they can perch and easily get to the food.
Blue Jays love setting up habitats in nut-bearing trees. Try to provide as close many nut-bearing trees such as hazelnut, beech, oak, and pinyon pine. This will make them feel more comfortable in your yard. As with any living organism, water is essential for Blue Jays. Set out a bird bath with clean water to help attract these and other birds to bathe and drink from.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
This classic beauty has a whopping 53 wing beats per second! Bright red and green plumage can be seen darting from one flower to the next during the spring and summer months in the eastern states of the U.S.
How To Attract The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Once again, due to this bird’s unique anatomy, it’s essential to provide the correct hummingbird feeder. Luckily, many stores have a large variety to choose from. However, you should be cautious with your feeder during the summer months. Any sugar water can ferment in high temperatures, creating a toxic alcohol that can harm them.
Another way to attract hummingbirds is with bright-colored flowers. Hummingbirds are well-adapted pollinators! Plant species such as butterfly bushes, dahlias, coneflowers, and more.
If you are attracting hummingbirds to your backyard, you will want to keep a careful eye out for cats! Cats are known to wait by feeders to snatch the tiny hummingbirds while trying to eat.
The American Yellow Warbler
This little ball of pure happiness likes to hop around and eat what it can find all across the U.S. If you hear a bird call that sounds something like “sweet sweet sweet, I’m so sweet!” and it’s vibrant yellow, you’re probably looking at an American Yellow Warbler!
How to Attract The American Yellow Warbler
One of the best ways to attract American Yellow Warblers is to put bark butter on a tree. Nuts, berries, and seeds are also favorites for these stunning birds.
American Yellow Warblers do not like overly open areas as they are pretty shy. That’s why it’s essential to plant dense vegetation for them to hide in. Keeping nesting materials nearby, like moss, twigs, or grass clippings, can make them more likely to stick around.
The Northern Cardinal
If Christmas had a designated bird, it would be the Northern Cardinal. You can witness the males’ bright red plumage throughout the winter months as they do not migrate away from their homes in the eastern and central United States.
How to Attract The Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals love to eat sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, safflower seeds, and berries. It’s also a good idea to carefully select your feeder as Cardinals prefer not to exert much energy while they eat their food.
As with any bird, providing a safe and comfortable habitat is essential to attracting Northern Cardinals year-round. Mulberry, serviceberry, flowering dogwood, crabapple, and spruce trees are just a few of their favorites.
Watch, Wait and Listen
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see any of these bird species right away, especially if you don’t typically see them in your backyard. It may take them some time to get used to the changing environment. Many birds are shy and fearful of areas they are not already familiar with. Don’t give up! With time, you can witness the stunning spectacle of North America’s most beautiful birds. Soon enough, you will be able to watch a multitude of beautiful birds out your window. Happy birding!
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