How to Build a Backyard Bird Habitat

Establishing a habitat for wild birds in your backyard has many benefits. Due to the fragmentation of their habitat as a result of land development, many bird species have suffered breeding problems that put them at risk of decline. By providing food, water and shelter, homeowners are assisting in the lifecycles of many beneficial species. We tend to value songbirds for their attractive colors and music, but fact is the little feathered guys are an important part of the environment. Plus, birds consume millions of insects and parasites every day, which not only benefits other wild animals, but farmers and gardeners as well.

Some of our reasons are a little more selfish. Birding gives us a chance to experience nature in a world that is becoming increasingly crowded, and see it up close on our own property. Watching the antics of the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Chickadees, Nuthatches and other birds has a calming affect, and may help to relieve stress. The whole family can get involved, providing an ecological learning opportunity for children. Backyard birding can be both an enjoyable hobby and an action to help the environmental.

But what do birds need to be happy and healthy? Is putting up a feeder enough? What do they eat, anyway? This article will give you some basic knowledge of how to get started transforming your backyard into a bird-friendly habitat.

Birds want to eat, of course, and putting up a bird feeder is the first option most backyard birders take. Feeders come in many shapes and sizes, depending on the type of food you want to serve, and the type of bird you want to attract. Many people set up several different types of feeders to ensure that all bird species are taken care of. Here are several ideas:

Hopper Feeders: Probably the most common type of feeder, these are usually made of a wooden roof and platform and feature glass or plastic sides with openings about half an inch from the base of the feeder. The bird seed is often filled through a removable top. The platform part of the feeder continually fills with seed as the birds peck away at it, and the clear sides let you see when you need to refill.

Platform Feeders: Similar to the hopper feeder without the clear sides, the platform feeder allows birds to perch along the edge and peck away at the seed. These feeders are easy to fill and will benefit most species; however, they usually do not hold as much seed as a hopper feeder, and don’t do quite as good of a job keeping the seeds dry in bad weather.

Tube Feeders: These are tall, cylindrical feeders, usually made of clear plastic, which feature several small perches and openings where only little birds can feed. Like the hopper feeder, they are easily filled from the top. These are a tremendous benefit to smaller bird species who may get bullied away from the platform-type feeders by larger, more aggressive birds.

Suet Feeders: Suet is usually made from a mixture of animal fat and bird seed, and it comes shaped in blocks. It sounds awful, but some birds love it. Suet feeders are small cages that hang from a branch or pole and can contain suet blocks. Birds such as Nuthatches and woodpeckers will perch on them and peck away at the suet.

Seed socks: Seed socks, sometimes called Nyjer (thistle) socks, hold smaller seeds, and hang from a branch or pole. Birds will perch on or near the sock and peck the seeds from the tiny holes in the sock fabric. Thistles seeds work with seed socks, and will attract Goldfinch.

Nectar Feeders: There are many specially made feeders on the market specifically intended to attract humming birds. They can be filled with pre-made “nectar” or a sugar-water solution you create yourself. They must be kept clean and free of insects. Some backyard birders specialize in hummingbirds.

But what do birds eat? Mixed birdseed with a good assortment of small seeds, sunflower seeds, corn kernels, nuts and fruit will cover all the bases for most species. Black-oil sunflower seeds are always a big hit, especially in the winter. Some birdseed can be expensive, particularly good sunflower seeds or cracked corn, but you can always purchase an expensive bag and mix it with a cheaper brand so that it lasts longer. Birds will even take whole peanuts and pieces of dried fruit if you present them.

Most of the birds you’ll encounter in your backyard can and will consume a variety of foods, but a few are specialists. Be aware that some feeders are built for a certain size or type of seed. For instance, large sunflower seeds won’t work with some tube feeders, and it doesn’t make sense to fill your hopper feeder with thistle seed. Choose your feeder and seed based on your budget, and what type of birds you’d like to attract.

Putting up a birdfeeder or two is a good start to transforming your property into a bird-friendly habitat, but adding a water source will really make your backyard attractive to wildlife. Like feeders, there are several different options to choose from when deciding what type of water source to provide for the birds.

Birdbaths: Either hanging or on a pedestal, these are the most common option. They should be shallow, and above or away from any vegetation where a predator could hide. They should also be placed a reasonable distance from the food.

Fountains and Misters: Birds seem to be attracted to the sound and movement of running water. Setting up a small, solar-powered fountain or mister in your yard will be just what they need. This can be constructed as a small, ground-level pond, or even incorporated into a bird bath. Solar-powered water fountains can be inexpensive to purchase, and cost nothing to operate.

Build Your Own: It might be hard to find an option that’s good for the birds and meets the decorative needs of your yard. You may want to create your own water source for birds. You can use household items or start from scratch. Be sure it isn’t more than a few inches deep, and incorporate running water or misting features into it if you wish.

Winter Bird Baths: There are heated birdbaths available on the market that will allow you to provide water for you backyard visitors even in the dead of winter. Be aware that these are not necessary for the health of birds, as they can find the moisture they need from other sources throughout the winter season.

You can make your backyard attractive to birds just by doing a little minor landscaping. Planting trees and shrubs provides hiding spots and nesting spaces, and a hunting area for ground feeders such as Robins and Catbirds. Add a bird box or birdhouse to encourage breeding. Leave dead trees where they stand if you don’t mind them, and if it is safe to do so. These provide a nesting spot for some birds, and a feeding area for woodpeckers.

When choosing plants for your backyard you will want to research and pick from native species. After all, the point is to reclaim natural habitat for the birds, so bringing in foreign species may not help them much. You’ll also want to remove non-native or invasive species of plants.

A well-landscaped backyard filled with trees, plants and gardens will go a long way toward making your property bird-friendly. And, a naturally landscaped yard filled with native vegetation tends to look beautiful. It’s probably not a coincidence!

Squirrels and Chipmunks:

These little buggers are going to want your birdseed! You may not care, and you may think of them as just another addition to your backyard. Or, they may drive you crazy. They’ll cost you a few bucks in bird seed every week, that’s for sure.

There are many feeders on the market that are intended to defeat squirrels, and some of them even work. You may want to put out a feeding station specifically intended for squirrels in hopes of diverting them from the bird feeding area.

Chipmunks are a little different. Squirrels will range over a wider area, but chipmunks adhere to a rough territory, usually under an acre, and once they find a feeder they will hit it over and over again as long as there is food provided. If your feeder is in an area where several chipmunks’ territories overlap, you’re going to go through a lot of birdseed.

You can limit the amount of chaos caused by squirrels and chipmunks by choosing squirrel-proof feeders, and using large seeds that won’t be knocked on the ground where the rodents will forage.

Black Bears:

Bears love black-oil sunflower seeds, and they will take it from you feeder if they can. Aside from the fact that they usually completely trash your feeder in the process, there are other reasons you don’t want bears coming around. Bears may come to think of your birdfeeder as a food source, and the reasons we don’t want black bears coming around human habitation in search of food are obvious. Sadly, this usually doesn’t end well for the bear if it gets out of control. Feed the birds in the morning, and let the feeder run dry at night. Bring the feeder indoors in the evening if you must. Bears usually hit your feeder at night, so this removes the food source.

House Cats:

Worse than squirrels, chipmunks and black bears put together is the cat issue. Keep your cat indoors! Keep your cat indoors! Keep your cat indoors! Cats kill millions of wild birds every year. Cats are predators, and even well-fed cats will kill a bird if they can. It isn’t the cat’s fault; it is the owners fault. Keep your cat indoors!

House cats are not a natural part of our ecosystem, and they can devastate a local bird population. If you know you have a cat issue, please do not put out food and water for birds until it is resolved. You’d only be ringing the dinner bell for the cats. Better still, keep your cat indoors! (Did I say that already?)

Disease:

Anywhere birds congregate the possibility exists for disease transmission. This is, of course, bad for the birds. Prevent the spread of sickness and disease by washing feeders and other surfaces weekly in a water/bleach solution. Clean up the mess under the birdfeeder by raking debris away. Be sure food is kept free of mold and infestation. If you notice overcrowding at your feeder, consider putting up another to alleviate the problem.

Creating a backyard bird habitat will bring new visitors into your yard, and may start you off on a lifelong journey of discovery of the natural world. Inviting birds onto your property is rewarding, and good for the birds if you do it right. Soon you’ll find yourself with a manual in your hand, trying to identify that colorful thing flitting around your birdbath. Good luck and have fun when creating your backyard bird habitat, and congratulations on the decision to do your part for conservation of the songbird population.