Columbus Audubon (Columbus, Ohio)

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Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
by Julie Davis

Hundreds of acres of wildlife habitat are disappearing under concrete and asphalt each day. Strip malls and housing developments absorb essential habitat for our natural wildlife and birds. Small pockets of open space like our backyards helps those who have lost their homes, food sources and nesting areas. Now is a great time to start feeding birds and planning changes to your landscape for spring. Following are some basic guidelines for creating an attractive habitat for birds. More detailed information can be found at www.audubon.org, commercial Web sites such as birdwatchersdigest.com, libraries, and wild bird stores.

What's for dinner?
Just like people, different types of birds have different types of diets. For example, the American Robin and Eastern Bluebird prefer juicy insects and succulent berries. The Northern Cardinal and Carolina Chickadee have a taste for all types of seeds. Knowing the kinds of birds in your area will help you tempt them to your backyard buffet.

Mixed Seed - Attracts the biggest crowd to your feeders. A mixture of oil and striped sunflower and safflower seeds will draw cardinals, Blue Jays, titmouse, nuthatches and grosbeaks.
Fruit and Nectar - Hummingbirds, orioles and tanagers.
Peanuts and Suet- Woodpeckers, nuthatches.
Thistle- Goldfinches.

Feeders
Scattering seeds on the ground is the simplest way to feed birds; however, scavengers and bolder birds will seize up most of it. For this reason, elevated feeders are recommended, with some seed scattered on the ground for ground-feeding birds such as doves and juncos.

Predators
Squirrels and raccoons can cause disaster to feeders. They can consume all the seed provided for the birds and chew and destroy feeders. It is highly recommended to add a squirrel and/or raccoon baffle to your feed post.

Domestic cats can be devastating to your new visiting friends. Be sure to place a collar with a bell around your cat if it is outdoors frequently.

Along with attracting songbirds to your areas, hawks and owls also will be attracted. These great predators feed on the smaller birds but can be a fascinating addition to your yard.

Nesting and Shelter
Every bird has preferences for nest building. Providing good backyard habitat also will attract nesting songbirds in the spring. Planting shrubs and dense foliage will attract ground nesters. Large, dead trees or snags will be sure to attract a variety of woodpeckers. Woodpeckers create their nest within trees. Install nest boxes to draw a diversity of cavity nesters. Nest boxes are easily made or can be obtained from your local bird seed store.

You also can try spreading some nesting material around your yard. Feathers, string, grass cuttings, and even fabric bits make easy pickings for the birds.

Water
Birdbaths and garden ponds offer an irresistible attraction to your yard. Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. Running or dripping water will help birds find your water source. In the summer, it provides a cooling effect, and in winter it is a vital source of water when other resources are covered with snow and ice. Here are some water source quick tips.

Shallow Water - Birds prefer water depth approximately 1 to 2 inches. Water deeper than that can cause drowning.
Perches - Tree branches located within a few yards of your water source will provide a safe place for birds to preen and sun after bathing.
Maintenance - Birds prefer clean water. Keeping your water source clean and free of algae and other debris will appeal to "your" birds.

Julie Davis is a Columbus Audubon trustee and also leads trips and classes. She gave a program on attracting wildlife to your yard at Wildlife on Wings.

Orange Cups for the Birds

I created this simple recipe with dried fruits leftover from baking to draw birds that like fruit. At my feeders the treat has attracted woodpeckers and mockingbirds. Unfortunately starlings also love it, so you have to be vigilant. When I lived in Grandview, a mockingbird couple frequented the small tree in which I wedged the orange cups. I grew attached to them and worried about how they would get along without orange cups after I moved. One day all the birds disappeared for a time when a Coopers Hawk swooped in to perch on the fence with his back to the feeders!

Cut a fresh orange in half. Squeeze the juice into a small, nonreactive pan. Carefully cut or scoop out the flesh, chop it up and add it to the pan. Reserve the empty orange cups. Mix into the pan two or three tablespoons each of raisins, dried cranberries and dried pineapple bits. Heat gently until the dried fruits have absorbed the liquid and are soft (add some water or orange juice if needed). Cool completely and mound into the orange halves. If you are feeling particularly indulgent, chop up some peanuts or salted cashews to sprinkle on top. Wedge them in trees or set them out on feeders when the temperature is above freezing. - Kristan Leedy

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