Remember the scene from “Mary Poppins” when Julie Andrews enchants us with “Feed the Birds”? It’s a gentle reminder of the simple joy we can find by connecting with our feathered friends. 

    You don’t need a magical nanny to bring that scene to life in your own backyard or to appreciate the charm and benefits that birds bring. There’s a unique tranquility that comes with waking up to the sound of chirping birds. Picture yourself sipping a morning coffee as you marvel at the fluttering beauties, turning your garden into a living painting.

    But these avian guests don’t just bring joy to our senses — they also play an essential role in maintaining the health of our yards and in return your yard can play a vital role in their health. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener tired of battling aphids on your roses or simply looking to add more life and balance to your garden, inviting in birds is a fantastic natural solution. Birds are among the animals that feed on ticks, they help keep harmful insects in check, promote plant pollination, and even aid in weed control. Let’s take a closer look at how we can roll out the welcome mat for these helpful and delightful creatures with bird-friendly yards.

    In this article, we’ll explore why it is important to create a bird-friendly environment at home as well as how to properly provide food, water, and shelter to backyard birds based on insights from an expert in the field of ornithology:


    The Facts Surrounding Backyard Birds

    Birdwatching, or birding as it’s known by enthusiasts, is more than just a pastime. The joy and tranquility that comes from observing these creatures in their natural habitat often transcend our backyard fences and enter the realm of wellness, adding a dash of nature’s own therapy to our lives. Below are some interesting facts that highlight the value and importance of our avian neighbors.

    • Birding is a Popular Hobby
      • According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are over 46 million birders in the United States. Of these, about 39 million are backyard birders who find delight and relaxation in the array of bird species that visit their feeders and gardens.
    • Big Business in Bird Products
      • Love for our feathered friends isn’t just good for our well-being — it also translates into a booming market for wild bird products. The market, valued at $5.02 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $6.42 billion by 2028, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 3.58%.
    • Declining Bird Species
      • Not all is well in the bird world, though. Recent reports warn that almost half of the world’s bird species are in decline due to various factors including habitat loss and the climate crisis. Alarmingly, one in eight bird species is under threat of extinction. This underlines the importance of creating bird-friendly spaces in our backyards to support avian life.
    • Birds Boost Well-Being
      • It’s not just anecdotal — studies1, 2 suggest that spending time around animals and wildlife, like watching birds in your backyard, can improve feelings of well-being, relaxation, and connection to nature.
    • Birds and Health Concerns
      • While backyard birds generally pose no threat to humans, bird flu, caused by Type A influenza viruses, is a concern worldwide. It usually affects wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other species. Human infections are rare but have occurred.
        These facts underscore the value of welcoming birds into our yards, both for the benefits they bring and the need to support these creatures in the face of growing environmental threats.

    Climate change and habitat loss are some of the biggest threats to birds. So doing what you can to slow climate change and maintain habitat for birds is a wonderful contribution.

    Dr. Emma Greig, an expert in Behavioral Ecology and Project Leader of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

    Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds

    Creating a bird-friendly environment in your backyard can be an enriching and rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of bird species right outside your window. However, attracting and supporting a variety of birds requires thoughtful preparation and management, particularly when it comes to their food sources. Below we’ll review some key considerations to ensure you effectively cater to the nutritional needs of your backyard visitors.

    Understanding the types of birds frequenting your area is crucial to providing appropriate food. Different bird species have distinct dietary preferences, ranging from seeds and insects to fruits and nectar. Familiarizing yourself with local bird species and their diets can help ensure you offer the right food to attract and nourish them effectively.

    The right bird feeder can make a significant difference in which birds you attract. Certain birds might prefer tray feeders, while others might be more inclined toward tube feeders. Consult with local birding stores or enthusiasts for advice on the best types of feeders for the birds in your region. Ensure the feeders are sturdy, easy to clean, and designed to keep food dry to maintain the health and safety of your feathered visitors.

    While bird feeders are excellent for supporting your avian visitors, birds rely on natural food sources. Planting flowers that produce nectar or seeds or host insects can provide a bounty for birds. For instance, sunflowers and coneflowers are not only attractive — their seeds are a favorite of many bird species. Similarly, plants like milkweed and fennel attract insects that many bird species feed on.

    In addition to flowers, planting berry-producing shrubs and trees can serve as a rich food source for many birds. Berries are particularly favored by species such as robins and waxwings. Ensure these plants are placed in safe locations, away from areas accessible to potential predators like cats and dogs. 

    Berry plants also contribute to an organic and environmentally friendly lawn care regimen, which you can learn more about in our guide to organic lawn care.


    How to Safely Provide Water for Backyard Birds

    Just as food is crucial for birds, providing them with clean, safe water sources can significantly enhance your backyard’s appeal to these feathered creatures. Birds require water for drinking and bathing, and ensuring this basic necessity can attract a greater variety of species to your backyard. Below are some key water environment considerations for your avian visitors.

    An Appropriate Bird Bath

    A bird bath can be an ideal water source for backyard birds. It’s essential to ensure the bath is shallow, as birds prefer to wade rather than swim. Adding a perch or stones can help birds access the water safely. If feasible, a bird bath with moving or trickling water can be more attractive as it stays cleaner and can be more easily noticed by birds. If cats are common in your area, a bird bath positioned a few feet off the ground can offer protection to your feathered guests.

    A Natural Stream or Fountain

    Creating a natural stream or installing a fountain can significantly enhance your backyard’s allure for birds. The sound of flowing water can attract birds from a distance, and the water movement helps keep it clean. A graduated stream or fountain that offers shallow areas is especially appealing to a variety of bird species, as they can comfortably wade and bathe in the water.

    Keep Water Sources Close to Trees

    Birds typically seek water sources near their natural habitats like trees and bushes. Keeping water sources close to such cover helps birds feel safer from predators, making them more likely to use the water source. However, ensure the trees and shrubs are not so close that predators can use them to ambush the birds.

    Regular Cleaning of Water Sources

    Just as crucial as providing water sources is maintaining their cleanliness. Stagnant and dirty water can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and parasites. Regular cleaning and replenishing of bird baths and fountains can prevent the spread of disease among your backyard bird population.


    Tips for Setting Up a Shelter for Backyard Birds

    Creating a bird-friendly backyard extends beyond providing food and water — it also involves establishing safe and comfortable shelters for your avian visitors. These shelters serve multiple purposes, including providing protection from predators and the weather, places for nesting, and secure roosting spots. “Having [a] healthy habitat is one of the most important things for birds, and the one place where people have some control over the quality of habitat is in their own yards. It may seem like a small space, but when lots of people make bird-friendly yards, those small spaces really add up,” said Dr. Greig. Below we’ll outline some important considerations to bear in mind when planning bird shelters in your backyard.

    The best bird-friendly landscapes include a diverse array of trees and shrubs of varying heights and textures. This diversity caters to the different needs and preferences of various bird species, significantly increasing the appeal of your backyard to a wider variety of birds.

    Creating mixed shrub borders can provide the perfect habitat for birds. These borders can include a wide variety of plants that offer food, shelter, and nesting spots. Additionally, borders located far enough away from the house help birds feel safe and secure.

    Deep hedges serve as excellent shelter options for birds. They offer a dense and robust refuge, enabling birds to hide and nest safely away from predators.

    Integrating prickly or thorny shrubs into your backyard can provide added security for birds. These plant types can deter predators, ensuring your feathered friends have a safe and protective environment.

    Evergreens and conifers are excellent choices for year-round shelter, as they remain lush even in winter. Many of these species also produce berries or nuts, providing an additional food source for birds.

    Adding birdhouses or nesting boxes to your garden can offer artificial shelter for certain bird species. It’s important to choose birdhouses that are specific to the bird species in your garden, as birds tend to choose nest sites that match their natural preferences.

    Include a variety of plants with different textures, such as grasses and fluffy plants, in your garden to provide birds with ample material for building nests. Grass clippings, if left mulched on your lawn, can be perfect for this. Consider also providing small bundles of nesting materials, but ensure they are presented in a way that prevents potential injury to birds. For advice on how to properly care for plants that provide nesting materials check out our guide “Best DIY Lawn Care Programs and Services.”

    With these food, water and shelter considerations taken into account, your backyard can become a haven for a variety of bird species, providing you with countless opportunities to enjoy birdwatching.


    Additional Considerations

    Creating a bird-friendly environment in your backyard involves more than just providing food, water, and shelter. It requires a holistic approach that also considers factors such as predator control, pesticide use, and yard maintenance. “To make a bird-friendly yard, try things such as eliminating pesticides from your maintenance routines leaving areas of your yard “wild” (not mowed, unraked). “Messy” yards are great for birds,” said Dr. Greig. Let’s explore some of these additional considerations that can enhance the overall safety and appeal of your backyard for our feathered friends.

    Preventing Predators from Entering Your Yard

    One key consideration is keeping your backyard secure from potential bird predators. If your yard is enclosed by a fence with wide gaps, consider adding netting or chicken wire. This can help deter cats and other common predators, creating a safer environment for the birds. Remember to ensure any protective measures are safe and don’t pose a risk to wildlife.

    Avoid Pesticides

    When striving to attract birds to your backyard, it’s crucial to minimize or avoid the use of pesticides. These chemicals can harm both insects and birds. Remember, an insect-friendly yard is also a bird-friendly yard, as many birds feed on insects. So, allowing a healthy insect population to thrive can provide a natural and essential food source for birds.

    Don’t Rake — Keep a Natural Yard

    Believe it or not, a slightly untidy yard can benefit birds. Consider leaving some fallen leaves and organic debris in your yard, as they serve as a habitat for insects, which in turn provide food for birds. Additionally, birds can use leaves and other yard waste as nesting material. So, think twice before you rake — your yard’s natural state might be just what the birds prefer. If you need professional assistance to maintain a bird-friendly yard, consider looking at our list of the top six best lawn care companies.

    Accounting for these additional considerations along with providing appropriate food, water, and shelter can make your backyard a veritable paradise for birds. Remember, every small action you take can contribute to the well-being of our feathered friends and enrich your birdwatching experience.


    Bird Friendliness in a Small Space

    Creating a bird-friendly environment is not limited to those with expansive backyards. Even in smaller spaces, such as a balcony, patio, or courtyard of a townhome, condo, or apartment, you can welcome feathered friends and provide a much-needed habitat for them. Here are four ways to make the most of your compact outdoor space.

    hummingbird in a nest
    Photo by Michael Heng on Unsplash

    Create a Container Garden

    Just because you’re short on space doesn’t mean you can’t have a vibrant garden. Container gardening is a fantastic way to attract birds, and it’s also beneficial to you, providing beauty and often fresh produce or herbs. Consider incorporating plants that produce seeds or berries to provide a natural food source for birds, and use different plants to attract a variety of species.

    Appropriate Bird Feeders and Bird Baths

    Opt for bird feeders and bird baths specifically designed for smaller spaces. Options such as railing bird feeders, window bird feeders, or hanging models are great for balconies. Similarly, hanging bird baths can be easily installed in your space. Just ensure they’re cleaned regularly and filled with fresh water.

    Native Plants

    Emphasize native plants in your compact outdoor space. They are often well suited to your local climate and soil conditions, making them easy to maintain. Moreover, local bird species are naturally attracted to native plants that they recognize as a source of food. Arrange native plants in pots or hanging baskets on your patio or balcony to lure birds in.

    Window Decals

    To protect birds from colliding with your windows or patio doors, create a visual barrier using decals or tape. Reflective surfaces can confuse birds and lead to harmful collisions, so applying these preventive measures can save birds from injury.

    Even with limited space, you can create an environment that supports local bird life. By implementing the strategies we discussed above, you’ll find that bird-friendly living is possible no matter the size of your outdoor space.


    Common Backyard Birds by Region

    berries on a bush
    Photo by Amanda Hortiz on Unsplash

    Just as the climates and landscapes of the United States vary by region, so too does avian life. Each region boasts a unique mix of birds, adding a splash of color and melody to our backyards. Let’s dive into the common birds that grace our yards, depending on where we are in the country.

    Common Backyard Birds in the Northeast

    The Northeast, with its diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to forests and urban environments, offers a rich array of bird species. You might wake up to the melodious tunes of the Northern Cardinal or watch the American Goldfinch and House Finch flit around your feeders. Winter might bring the charming Dark-eyed Junco, and in the warmth of summer, you may find the vibrant Baltimore Oriole adding a touch of color to your surroundings. Here is a list of common birds that you may see in the Northeastern part of the United States:

    • Northern Cardinal
    • House Finch
    • Dark-eyed Junco
    • White-throated Sparrow
    • American Goldfinch
    • Pine Siskin
    • Purple Finch
    • House Sparrow
    • Chipping Sparrow
    • Eastern Towhee
    • American Tree Sparrow
    • Evening Grosbeak
    • Common Redpoll
    • Song Sparrow
    • Field Sparrow
    • White-crowned Sparrow
    • Fox Sparrow
    • Downy Woodpecker
    • Red-bellied Woodpecker
    • Hairy Woodpecker

    Common Backyard Birds in the South

    The South is known for its long, warm summers and mild winters, providing an ideal climate for a wide variety of birds. You may find the harmonious coo of the Mourning Dove soothing, or enjoy watching the vibrant Northern Cardinal and American Goldfinch brightening up your garden. The Black-capped Chickadee is a year-round resident, and the summer skies might bring a Ruby-throated Hummingbird darting among the flowers. The following is a list of common backyard birds you may encounter if you live in the Southern part of the country:

    • Mourning Dove
    • American Robin
    • Downy Woodpecker
    • Northern Cardinal
    • American Goldfinch
    • Blue Jay
    • House Finch
    • Red-bellied Woodpecker
    • Red-winged Blackbird
    • Carolina Wren
    • Tufted Titmouse
    • American Crow
    • House Sparrow
    • White-breasted Nuthatch
    • Dark-eyed Junco
    • Black-capped Chickadee
    • Song Sparrow
    • Common Grackle
    • Northern Flicker
    • Eastern Bluebird

    Common Backyard Birds in the Midwest

    The Midwest, with its expansive grasslands, forests, and lakes, is a haven for many bird species. American Robins and Northern Cardinals are common sights, and you might be able to spot a Red-winged Blackbird perched on a reed or hear the charming song of the House Wren. In winter, the Dark-eyed Junco can be seen, and the Indigo Bunting brings a dash of color in the summer. Here is a list of common backyard birds common in the Midwest region:

    • American Robin
    • Northern Cardinal
    • Red-winged Blackbird
    • American Goldfinch
    • Mourning Dove
    • European Starling
    • House Sparrow
    • Downy Woodpecker
    • Black-capped Chickadee
    • Blue Jay
    • American Crow
    • Song Sparrow
    • Red-bellied Woodpecker
    • Common Grackle
    • White-breasted Nuthatch
    • House Finch
    • Dark-eyed Junco
    • American Tree Sparrow
    • Indigo Bunting
    • Barn Swallow

    Common Backyard Birds in the West

    The West Coast’s varied habitats, from lush forests to arid deserts and coastal regions, host a diverse range of bird species. The melodic song of the Black-capped Chickadee might be the soundtrack of your morning, and the flashy Anna’s Hummingbird could be a frequent visitor to your feeders. You may also see the Downy Woodpecker probing tree trunks for insects and enjoy the American Goldfinch’s acrobatic feedings. The following are commonly seen birds in the West:

    • Black-capped Chickadee
    • Anna’s Hummingbird
    • American Goldfinch
    • Barn Swallow
    • White-crowned Sparrow
    • Red-winged Blackbird
    • American Robin
    • Red-breasted Nuthatch
    • European Starling
    • Black-headed Grosbeak
    • House Finch
    • House Sparrow
    • Yellow-rumped Warbler
    • Cedar Waxwing
    • Song Sparrow
    • Brown-headed Cowbird
    • Downy Woodpecker
    • Spotted Towhee
    • Northern Flicker
    • Dark-eyed Junco

    Our Conclusion 

    Whether you possess a sprawling backyard or a compact balcony, creating a bird-friendly environment is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. It involves considering the right type of food, creating appropriate water sources, providing adequate shelter, safeguarding the area from predators, and making judicious use of space. By focusing on these elements and making some mindful adjustments, you can transform your outdoor space into a haven for birds. This activity is not just an enjoyable pastime but also a wonderful opportunity to engage children in nature and instill in them a sense of responsibility towards our feathered friends. It complements perfectly with gardening projects, allowing you to appreciate the interplay of nature in your very own backyard. So, take the plunge, and let the melody of chirping birds fill your days with joy and serenity.

    Editorial Contributors
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    Alexis Bennett

    Contributor

    Alexis is a freelance writer with nearly a decade of experience covering the home services industry. She’s built considerable expertise in roofing, plumbing, and HVAC, as well as general construction and real estate matters. In her free time, Alexis enjoys coaching women’s golf. She lives in the Triad area of North Carolina.

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    Alexis Curls

    Content Marketing Manager

    Alexis Curls is a content strategist on the Today’s Homeowner team. She specializes in home services research. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations.

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