Attracting backyard birds with bird feeders is one way to watch birds in your backyard.
Many people only think of putting out bird feeders for attracting backyard birds to their yards.
They often miss out on some very special moments by limiting themselves this way.
But are there other ways?
And the answer is YES…
But before you do anything if you are new to backyard birding and even if you are not new…
Do this!
Make a Plan For Your Entire Outside Space For Attracting Backyard Birds
This is not such a daunting task as it may sound.
Birds are very forgiving and making small changes as you go along will not deter them from visiting your yard.
And the longer and more consistent your efforts are over the years, the less deterring changes to your outdoor space will be to your backyard friends.
A List Of Things To Consider:
- Start by making a list of the wild birds who live in your area and decide which ones you want to attract.
- Learn what these birds like to eat?
- What types of feeders will you need for the food they like to eat?
- Which ones are cavity-nesting birds and what type of birdhouse will they need?
- Will you provide water in the form of a birdbath or a pond?
- What plants and trees might be a good fit for your outdoor space to attract those birds you want to see?* Where will be the best place to plant them in your garden?* Will you plant bushes that produce berries that birds like?* Consider plants that provide perching opportunities as this is an important activity for birds for looking out for friends and foe.
How Will Attracting Backyard Birds with a Bird House Work?
Patience is mandatory for attracting wild birds, anyone who has put out a bird feeder knows the waiting game well.
And if the patience of the ordinary mortal is tried with bird feeders, then Job’s long-standing quality will be
needed here?
But there are many redeeming experiences ahead for those who persist.
The house you put up this year may sit vacant for a year or two. But wild birds return to the same area to build their bird nests each year.
Just because they turned your housing offer down this year, doesn’t mean they will continue to reject your real estate in future nesting seasons.
Any significant change in your yard will cause them to be cautious, so make changes gradually.
It may take them a couple of seasons to become accustomed to a new birdhouse in your yard.
The best time to put up a birdhouse is anytime since the birds need time to acquaint themselves with the new object.
If you want to give the more daring a chance for the upcoming season, put it out before the birds return from their migration.
Not all birds use a birdhouse to build a nest in. Some build nests on tree branches, on the ground or anywhere around a man-made structure that seems suitable.
What can You do if Wild Birds Don’t Use a Bird House?
If after two years your birdhouse is not being used and you know there are cavity users in your neighborhood, you might consider a couple of things:
1. Are your birdhouse designs functional and appropriate for the type of cavity-nesting birds in your area? For example, if the hole is too large Chickadees and Nuthatches will not use it. See the chart for proper entrance hole sizes for different cavity users here.
2. Are your bird homes located in the best place? Try changing the location. It may be too close to your bird feeders, other birdhouses, or you!
3. As well, a bird house must be cleaned out every year.
Most cavity users will not choose a house that has leftovers from the previous year.
How Close Should Bird Houses Be Placed To Bird Feeders?
Some people have tried a birdhouse/feeder combo, big mistake!
Think of it this way.
You would not want all the people who live on your street, sitting down at your table for every meal uninvited.
It would be a huge invasion of your personal space.
You might not feel safe depending on who showed up.
You would also be concerned that there would not be enough for your
own family.
Do All Types Of Birds Use A Bird House?
Of course there are many birds that do not use man-made bird homes.
They prefer to build their nest on a tree branch, bush, on the ground or other more open spots.
Some birds lay their eggs in other birds nest and let other parents have the job of feeding and protecting their young.
So attracting backyard birds for them will be through feeders and birdbaths.
You could put up roosting boxes for attracting backyard birds that are not cavity users, but would use a roosting box or birdhouse for shelter during cold weather.
More Types of Bird Housing
- Gourd Houses – Native North Americans were the first to craft gourds into birdhouses to attract wild birds.
- Roosting Boxes provide valuable shelter for birds at any time during the year for night time habitation or inclement weather.
- Snags – Dead or dying trees create a snag that provides many elements of the necessities of survival for wildlife including habitation.
- How To Attract Birds to a Bird House? – It does take a lot of patience sometimes to reap the benefits of bird watching with birdhouses in your backyard. Find tips for success here.