Have you stood in your yard thinking, “How do I attract birds without trees?” It’s a common concern. The great thing about attracting birds is that you don’t need trees! You can transform any yard into a bird attracting paradise by using a few smart tricks.
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Many people who enjoy watching birds believe that they need large trees like oaks and maples to attract birds to their yard. But the good news is that you can help attract birds to your yard without large trees. All birds need food, water, and shelter to survive. While trees are helpful and provide all of these things, you can also provide these things in other ways.
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If you provide the ideal setting, you may be able to attract cardinals, hummingbirds, finches, and chickadees even to lots that have no trees. Feeders can be set up at optimum locations, and a bird bath or small fountain can offer the water they need. But, what about shelter? This is where a little more imagination is needed. When hunting and resting between feeding bouts, birds need protective cover to escape the gaze of a predator, and can use shrubs, ornamental grasses, and even artificial cover.
The first thing you have to do is think of birds not as looking for a specific tree, but rather a safe place to land, obtain food, and rest. When you change your thinking from “I need trees” to “I need to meet their basic needs,” the opportunities really open up. An advantage of having open spaces is that you will be able to see and study the birds from a distance, as well as maintain the feeders easily. Additionally, you will have more freedom to arrange the feeding stations where they are the most effective.
Constructing Shelter Without the Shade
Birds are cautious and need space to escape and survey the area before they commit to feeding. In your garden, without the proper layout and planting, birds will not feel safe enough to feed.
Start with shrubs. Dwarf conifers, boxwood, or native berry-producing bushes provide excellent cover without years of waiting. Place these shrubs 10-15 feet from your feeding stations. This provides a safe stagin area for the birds to look over the feeders, watch for possible predators, and run in to grab a meal when the coast is clear.
Tall perennials do a great job as well. Native grasses such as switchgrass or little bluestems stand around four to five feet tall, which adds vertical structure that impersonates the lower tree branches. Black-eyed Susans and coneflowers, along with other winter hardy perennials, provide seeds and perching opportunities. As a bonus, these plants draw in the insects that insectivorous birds target.
Don't forget the structures you already have. House eaves, fence lines, and even pergolas provide elevated perches. If you have a shed or a garage, you can also consider placing a small shelf or hook for a feeder nearby. Birds tend to be more cautious when it comes to approaching feeders, especially if there is an open space behind them. Partially closing the space behind them with a vertical surface will make them feel much better.
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A water source can be a great addition to any open yard. Placing a birdbath near your feeding zone helps to attract more birds. The addition of a solar powered fountain or dripper can create sound which will draw birds in from further away. In order to keep your birdbath clean, and to prevent the growth of algae and mosquitoes, remember to change the water and clean the bath every few days.
Open Spaces Feeder Placement and Design
The “teacup trick” analogy comes in handy here. Rather than randomly scattering feeders throughout your yard, clump them together in one area (like placing teacups on a table). This approach helps create a concentrated feeding station that birds will be able to find and will be more comfortable visiting.
In large yards, height is very important. Place the feeders at about five feet off the ground. This will keep ground predators like cats from getting to the food, but will not make the feeders so high that birds feel too exposed to the feeders. Feeders that are mounted on poles work best because you can adjust them to the perfect height, unlike hanging feeders that have to be supported by some sort of structure.
Trays or platform feeders work well in yards without trees as they allow several species to feed at the same time, including the larger birds such as cardinals and jays, which need more space to feed comfortably. When selecting a platform feeder, choose one that is sturdy with drainage holes. Clean the feeder weekly to avoid mold and disease.
The strategy of attracting wildlife is designed to mimic natural foraging patterns. Birds will often gather in large numbers for their own protection. Predators will be less likely to attack larger groups and there are more food sources available in a large group of foraging birds. By combining a platform feeder, a tube feeder for smaller seeds, and a nectar feeder for hummingbirds within a six to eight foot distance, diversifying your feeding area will attract more species.
Combine this cluster with the low shrubs or ornamental grasses we talked about before. Place your "teacup" feeding station right along the edge of this planted area. The birds will use the plants as a take off point, and will rhythmically hop from the grass to the feeder and back.
Filling Your Yard with The Right Food and Plants
Now that your structure is set up, you should consider your menu and landscaping. Attract more bird species by offering a variety of foods as different birds have different nutritional needs.
If you have cardinals visiting your feeders, the black oil sunflower seeds are the best option. These seeds are loved by other birds too due to their higher fat content. Chickadees, tufted titmice, and nuthatches will also be attracted to your feeder. If black oil sunflower seeds are added to your platform feeder, you will hopefully see cardinals and other birds within days!
The best feed to use for feeding Hummingbirds is homemade. To make homemade Hummingbird feed, mix 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use food coloring or honey as substitutes. Be sure to change the solution every 3 to 5 days; you will need to change the solution more frequently in hot weather. Each time you change the solution, be sure to clean the feeder thoroughly each time to prevent harmful mold growth.
In tube feeders with small feeding holes, finches like nyjer (thistle) seed. Sparrows and juncos will eat white millet that is scattered on platform feeders or even on the ground. Suet cakes entice woodpeckers, and during migration and winter, they also entice wrens and other insectivorous birds.
Don't forget about native plants. Varieties that blossom at different times are ideal. Salvias, bee balm and trumpet vines lure hummingbirds. Finches and sparrows love the seeds of coneflowers and sunflowers. During fall migration, native shrubs such as elderberry and serviceberry, are also a food source for migrating birds.
Even in limited areas, three to five selected native plants can make a positive impact. These plants supply natural sources for food, nesting, and cover. They support the insects which serve as food for many nestling birds. Additionally, they need less water and upkeep than non-native ornamental plants.
The best part about the teacup approach is you can grow it as big or small as you want. Start off with one feeding station and a few plants. See which ones work best, and then as you learn which birds visit your area, add other feeders or plant species. Your yard with no trees will show you that with the right approach birds will come and be active. Happy birding!
