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Your Guide To Feeders Food And The Most Common Backyard Birds Bird Watching

Morris Carter

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Published in Stan Tekiela S Birding For Beginners: Rocky Mountains: Your Guide To Feeders Food And The Most Common Backyard Birds (Bird Watching Basics)

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In the world of bird watching, having bird feeders in your backyard can attract a variety of beautiful and interesting birds. It creates a wonderful opportunity to observe these creatures up-close and learn more about their behaviors and habits. However, setting up a bird feeder is not as simple as just placing food in it. To attract the most common backyard birds and provide them with appropriate feeders food, there are certain factors to consider.

Choosing the Right Feeder

Before discussing the specific types of bird feeders, it's essential to understand the different birds you may encounter in your backyard. Some of the most common backyard birds include the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, and House Finch. Each bird species has its own preferences for feeders and types of food.

The bird feeder options available include platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders, and nectar feeders. Platform feeders are suitable for larger birds such as cardinals and blue jays which prefer to feed on a flat surface. Hopper feeders are designed to dispense seeds gradually, which suits birds like chickadees and finches. Tube feeders are perfect for holding thistle and nyjer seeds, preferred by finches, while suet feeders attract woodpeckers and nuthatches. Nectar feeders with long flowers-like spouts are ideal for hummingbirds.

Stan Tekiela’s Birding for Beginners: Rocky Mountains: Your Guide to Feeders, Food, and the Most Common Backyard Birds (Bird-Watching Basics)

by Stan Tekiela(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	32384 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Providing the Right Food

Once you have chosen the appropriate feeder, the next step is to select the right food. It is important to offer a variety of food options to cater to the preferences of different bird species. Common feed options include seeds, suet, and nectar.

Seeds are a staple food for many birds and can be found in various types such as sunflower, safflower, and millet. Sunflower seeds, in particular, are highly popular among many bird species, including cardinals and chickadees. Depending on the feeder, you can choose a seed mix or specific seeds that suit your target birds.

Suet, made from animal fats combined with seeds or fruits, is another favored option for birds. It is particularly loved by woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays. Suet cakes can be easily hung in suet feeders for easy access.

Nectar, a sugary liquid simulating flower sap, is loved by hummingbirds. It can be prepared at home using a mixture of four parts boiling water to one part sugar. Once cooled, the nectar can be filled in the nectar feeders and placed strategically to attract these tiny marvels.

Tips for Successful Bird Watching

Now that you have set up your feeders and provided the right food, it's time to enjoy the art of bird watching. Here are a few tips to make your experience even more enjoyable:

Place feeders in a quiet and accessible location with a nearby source of fresh water.
Avoid placing feeders too close to windows to prevent bird collisions.
Consider providing nesting materials and birdhouses to encourage birds to stay in your backyard.
Keep feeders clean and regularly filled to ensure consistent bird activity.
Use binoculars and bird identification guides to enhance your observation and identification skills.

The Joy of Backyard Bird Watching

Backyard bird watching is a delightful and fulfilling hobby that offers a unique window into the fascinating world of birds. By understanding the preferences of common backyard birds and providing the right feeders food, you can attract a diverse range of species to your own sanctuary. Witnessing their vibrant plumage, hearing their melodious songs, and observing their behaviors is a rewarding experience that connects us with nature.

So, set up your bird feeders, stock them with the right food, and embark on a journey filled with awe and wonder as you immerse yourself in the world of backyard bird watching.

Stan Tekiela’s Birding for Beginners: Rocky Mountains: Your Guide to Feeders, Food, and the Most Common Backyard Birds (Bird-Watching Basics)

by Stan Tekiela(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5