Backyard Birding

Northern Cardinals

Birds play a major role in all ecosystems. Many birds have a number of very important jobs that keep our earth healthy. Some assist in the growth of new plants by acting as pollinators, seed dispersers and fertilizers. Others prevent over population of smaller animals (insects, rodents, fish, etc) by being predators. A few are responsible for preventing the spread of diseases by being consuming carrion (dead and decaying animals). And the list of benefits could continue.

Tufted Titmouse

Birds are an inspiration to people. Birds have given us the thought to fly. They have been muses for artists around the world. They majestically serenade us and brighten our spirits. These reasons combined have lead to birding becoming a popular hobby around the world. Many people wonder how to start bird watching. Whether you want to just relax at a park or go on backpack adventures through many habitats you can easily start in your own yard.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Birds needs are quite similar to ours. In order to survive birds need the same basics as all animals; food, water, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young. Adding these basic bird needs to your yard is simple! You can either landscape your yard in order to make it the most bird friendly or purchase/build the necessary components to fit your space (including an apartment balcony).

Suet feeder.

Selecting the right feeder(s) is easy. If you are like me you will see that there are a wide variety of types of feeders and foods you can choose from and begin to over think it. I recommend visiting a site like Project FeederWatch where you can play with combinations of feeders and foods online to see which kinds of birds you could attract based on your region. If you prefer a more personal way of determining the best combination for your yard you can visit a local wild bird store, mine is Wild Birds Unlimited, where you can speak one on one with someone to help you decided. I currently have three different styles of feeders in my yard, a hopper, a tube feeder and a suet. Once you select your feeders it is extremely important that you know where to put them. Birds often times suffer injuries and/or die due to window strikes. These window run ins can be prevented by proper feeder placement. When placing your feeder(s) try to keep them either close (3 feet or less) to your windows so that startled birds will not have enough speed for an injury or further away (at least 10 feet) so that birds have enough time to notice the hazard and avoid it.

                                                                                Providing a water source does have some maintenance. You will want to select some sort of shallow dish or bowl similar to a bird bath or a drain plate that you would place under a terra cotta pot. The two things you will need to make sure to do regularly with your water source are clean it and keep it full! If the birds are using your bath it will begin to gather dirt and seed by products. It my also begin to become home to pests such as mosquito larvae, so cleaning out your bath frequently is necessary. Keeping it full speaks for itself as we all remember from elementary school water evaporates and therefore will need to be replenished.

Hanging pot bird nesting. Photo by Kritsy in Houston.

Shelter and a safe place to raise young go hand in hand. If you have a yard trees, bushes and scrubs can be favorite spaces for your feathered residents. If your space is limited you can use potted plates on your porch or balcony for some varieties of birds. Whatever your habitat size you can also purchase or build a nest box to encourage more permanent residents. The NestWatch website is an excellent resource for figuring out which boxes will work best for you!

Limpkin

The more elements you add the greater your chances are to have amazing experiences in your own backyard. Here is a list of the birds I have had visit my home habitat. I hope the inspire you to create your own. Backyard birding really is Worth Wild!

(Not all birds pictured use my feeders, some visit for the natural insects and landscape.)

White Ibis

Blue Jay

Carolina Wren
Limpkin
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinal
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Tufted Titmouse
White Ibis