Attracting Birds
Birds bring enjoyment to your outdoor living spaces. They become an important dimension to your outdoor experience at home. Why do some people seem to attract more birds than others? It is important to understand how the birds see your space, and add elements that invite them to spend time there.
Winter is an excellent time to begin to attract birds to your home or outdoor living space. Because many of their natural food sources are scarce in winter, putting out food will attract them to your space without much competition. Research what type of food the birds prefer. Some eat winter berries, others prefer suet, while others feed on peanut butter or grains. Birds that normally eat insects may feed on other sources in the winter, since insects are scarce, and worms migrate deeper into the earth.
Birds are natural prey for many predator animals, especially in the winter. It is important to understand the types of shelter needs the bird have, and provide that shelter for your target species. Thrashers seek dense brush that is compact at the ground. The dimensions for a blue bird house are specific, and they like tall trees nearby with plenty of flight space around them. A house wren will seek shelter in odd places, like shoes or your barbeque grill. Determine the species you seek to attract, and look at your yard from their perspective. Add natural or artificial elements they can use as shelter.
Water is another important element in a bird's environment. Cold climates often freeze, making water unavailable. The perfect way to add available water is to provide a bird bath in an open area. It is important to keep the water clean, as birds transmit disease to each other in contaminated water. Birds will use water to drink and to bathe. You can clean the bird bath with vinegar and water. It is critical to avoid using house hold cleaners, as even small amounts of residue can poison a bird.
Bird baths come in a variety of materials and styles. Select one that enhances the outdoor space you have created. The birds are mostly concerned with the water quality.
Attracting birds can be an art and science. Scientifically, different species of birds prefer different foods, shelters, and flight spaces. However, even in those guidelines, groups of birds can develop preferences that are not in keeping with the norm of their species. Start with the guidelines of the species you desire to attract, and experiment with other things if the guidelines do not work for you.
Enjoying birds in your outdoor environment is possible year around if you understand the needs and requirements of the different bird species. If you are fortunate enough to live in a migratory zone, you can enjoy multiple species as the seasons change. Providing necessary elements for the birds will ensure you attract a wide variety of birds that you can enjoy year-round.
Article by Shannon McGlon
