Learning Strategies to Persuade Avian Visitors to Your Feeder Continuously
Welcome to the enchanting world of transforming your very own yard into a vibrant haven for our feathered friends! With their vivacious plumage and melodious chirps, birds add an enchanting blend of beauty and music to any environment. During migration seasons and as they navigate varying food sources, it's essential we work to keep providing for our avian visitors all year long.
To ensure our yards remain a top destination for our winged visitors, bird expert and ecologist Forrest King-Cortes, the national director of community-centered conservation for the Land Trust Alliance and an esteemed member of the Chicago Audubon Society board, shares valuable insights. According to him, each season demands different practices to captivate a diverse group of feathered friends, and he provides invaluable tips on how to attract birds throughout the entire year.
Winter
When temperatures plummet and insects cease their activity, winter becomes an imperative period to offer a consistent food source for our birds. Forrest King-Cortes points out that a majority of birds primarily rely on bugs as part of their diet, and with winter's onset, these food sources significantly diminish. Birds shift to foraging for seeds and fruits that can endure the winter months. However, with fewer food sources available, they will have low energy levels and face the need for extended periods to warm their bodies.
To entice our bird companions during winter, Forrest King-Cortes recommends supplying fortifying, high-calorie food sources in your feeder. Seeds, suet, and dried mealworms will keep their energy levels up during the frigid days, making it crucial to avoid offering low-nutritious foods like corn and millet.
Furthermore, in areas that don't typically see snowfall, providing a reliable water source consisting of a birdbath is an excellent choice for attracting birds. For their safety, remember to maintain your birdbath's water level and replace it daily to hinder the spread of illnesses.
Spring
Spring marks the rebirth of the seasonal cycle and the arrival of breathtaking migration of various bird species. Brilliant feathers begin to emerge, revealing the vibrant palette of their splendor. Spring migration brings an array of new species that pause to refuel before their extensive journeys northward. Additionally, this period is also nesting season for many bird species, as they prepare for the hatching of their offspring.
The unpredictable and fluctuating nature of spring weather can make a significant impact on birds, as it leads to erratic behavior and shortages of food sources during periods of warm and cold weather. Forrest King-Cortes especially emphasizes the importance of having food available during these periods, for instance, during cold snaps that follow extended warm periods.
To allure birds during the spring, offering high-quality food is essential, as birds require an abundance of energy in preparation for their travel journey and nest-building. While insects like caterpillars, flies, and spiders are their primary food sources, incorporating high-protein food like dried mealworms and sunflower seeds in your feeder will draw birds towards your yard.
The spring season is an exciting opportunity to attract hummingbirds to your yard, as this period is when they migrate towards warmer climates. To achieve optimal results, procure a hummingbird feeder and create your own nectar, ensuring to keep it in a position that protects the nectar from spoiling, such as away from direct sunlight.
Summer
During summer, birds are eager to explore a variety of food sources throughout the season. As eggs begin to hatch, young birds and their parents are voracious in their travels to find nourishing sustenance.
The demand for fresh, nourishing food intensifies during the summer months, making it crucial to regularly inspect the food established in your feeders to ensure it remains safe for consumption. This also applies to the maintenance of the birdbath's water, which requires frequent replacement to minimize the potential for algae and bacteria growth.
Adding a unique selection of fruits such as oranges, blackberries, apples, and blueberries to your yard offers a source of energy and temptation for several migrating bird species. By providing this unexpected and palatable food option, you will most likely attract a diverse group of birds to your yard.
Fall
As autumn arrives, migratory birds leave for their southern habitats, while nesting birds begin preparing for the approaching harsh winter. During this period, many bird species begin to hoard seeds for future use, creating a practice known as "harvesting."
To invite birds into your yard during the fall season, you can supplement their seeds by adding sunflower seeds, safflower, and thistle. Additionally, while it may be tempting to eliminate fallen leaves and debris from your yard, Forrest King-Cortes emphasizes the value in leaving behind some organic matter. Birds can use the fallen leaves and other debris as shelter, and it serves as an essential source of food for insects that will emerge during the spring.
By adhering to the seasonal guidance provided by Forrest King-Cortes, you can craft a wonderfully eclectic and inviting atmosphere in your yard, establishing yourself as a favored destination for birds all year round.
- To encourage sparrows and other birds to visit your yard during the winter, RealSimple suggests providing high-calorie food sources like seeds, suet, and dried mealworms in your feeder, as advised by Forrest King-Cortes.
- During the unpredictable weather of spring, it's essential to have a reliable water source for birds, like a birdbath, to help them navigate food shortages and maintain their health.
- To attract birds during summer, offer a variety of fresh, nutritious food options, such as fruits and high-protein seeds, and regularly inspect your feeders and birdbath for contamination.
- In fall, supplement the seeds that birds are hoarding by adding sunflower seeds, safflower, and thistle to your yard, and consider leaving some organic matter for shelter and insects.
- By following the seasonal tips from bird expert Forrest King-Cortes, you can create a vibrant and inviting outdoor living space that encourages a diverse range of birds to visit your home throughout the year.
