If you're a bird lover looking to transform your outdoor space into a haven for songbirds, you're in luck! By implementing a few strategic techniques, you can create an inviting environment that will attract a diverse array of beautiful songbirds. In this blog post, we will explore five key strategies for attracting more songbirds into your space and provide valuable tips and advice for each approach. We'll also share some common mistakes you should be avoiding.
Developing a Bird-Friendly Corner of Your Yard
Creating a bird-friendly corner in your yard offers a safe and welcoming space for songbirds. Here's some useful ideas:
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses to provide natural cover and nesting sites.
- Incorporate a mix of vegetation heights to cater to different bird species.
- Use a variety of plant types to offer a diverse food source, including berries, fruits, and seeds.
- Avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals that can harm birds and their food sources.
Provide a Variety of Feeders and Buy the Right Bird Food
To attract a wide range of songbirds, you need to offer a variety of feeders and choose the right bird food. Consider the following tips:- Opt for feeders of different styles and sizes to accommodate various bird species.
- Place feeders at different heights and locations throughout your yard.
- Select high-quality bird food that matches the dietary preferences of the species you want to attract. Some popular choices include black-oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds for finches, and suet cakes for insect-eating birds.
- Research reputable bird food brands that prioritize quality and sustainability.
We have our own Bird Seed Feeder to help you get started supplementing birds. Plastic-free and squirrel proof. For those wanting to get a close view we'd highly recommend the WiFi Bird Feeder Camera Bundle
Add a Water Source
Providing a water source is essential for attracting songbirds, as they require fresh water for drinking and bathing.
- Install a bird bath with a shallow basin for easy access. Keep it clean and regularly change the water.
- Consider a small fountain or a dripping water feature, as the sound of running water can attract birds.
- Place the water source in an open area, away from dense vegetation where predators might hide.
Plant a Bird-Friendly Garden
A bird-friendly garden will not only enhance the beauty of your space but also provide a sustainable food source for songbirds. Here are some favourite bird-friendly plants to consider:
- Sunflowers, coneflowers, and salvias offer abundant seeds that attract various bird species.
- Native berry-producing plants like elderberry, serviceberry, and holly are excellent sources of food.
- Include nectar-rich flowers such as bee balm, columbine, and trumpet vine to attract hummingbirds.
- Incorporate a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs to provide year-round cover and nesting sites.
Provide Plenty of Shelter
Offering adequate shelter is crucial to attract and protect songbirds. Here's how you can create shelter in your outdoor space:- Plant dense shrubs or hedges to provide protective cover from predators and harsh weather conditions.
- Leave brush piles or fallen logs as natural shelters.
- Install birdhouses and nesting boxes designed for specific bird species. Ensure they are placed at the right height and facing north/northeast
Similarly to bird feeders, we do provide bird boxes to give your garden birds somewhere to stay, along with a variety of steel cover plates to shape the whole for your desired bird.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While creating a bird-friendly garden, it's essential to steer clear of common mistakes.- Using non-native invasive plants that can harm local ecosystems.
- Placing feeders too close to windows, making them a danger for birds in flight.
- Neglecting to clean bird feeders and water sources regularly, leading to the spread of diseases.
- Overusing pesticides, which can harm birds and their food sources.
How to Watch Nesting Songbirds
If you're interested in bringing nature indoors, we can help you in capturing these magnificent creatures in stunning quality. Our WiFi Bird Box Camera has become a beloved fan-favourite within the bird watching community. The camera can be placed within a birdbox and stream straight to your smartphone or tablet in HD, or playback recorded footage ensuring you don't miss a thing. Setting the camera up is very simple, as is pairing the camera with your device using the official Green Feathers app. Let us help you have a window to the wild today!
