Urban Birding

Hello! Today I will teach you how to create your own urban backyard. In this article, I will explain how to attract different types of birds with a few simple tricks.

Birdfeeders

The key to attracting most birds is putting up bird feeders. Sunflower tube feeders will attract chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and finches. Thistle(nyger) feeders will attract many sparrows and finches. On the other hand, platform feeders will attract ground-eating birds like doves, juncos, towhees, sparrows, and quail along with cardinals and jays. Some other types of feeders are hummingbird feeders and fruit feeders for orioles and tanagers.

Seed mixes are also a good way to attract a variety of birds. The most common and successful seed mixes include: black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, hulled sunflower, safflower, millet, peanuts, and thistle. Avoid using milo, because most birds will reject it.

Birdbaths

Now, we will talk about birdbaths. Birdbaths are like a magnet for birds. They will even attract birds that don't normally visit feeders, like robins. Birds use birdbaths to clean their bodies and remove parasites from their feathers because it is essential for them to stay clean. Dripping water will attract more birds to your bath. It could be as simple as a bucket dripping water from a tree, as shown in the picture above. Also make sure to put sticks and rocks in the water so birds can have an ideal perch in the water. Birdbaths have to be cleaned thoroughly every day to prevent bacteria and fungi from forming.

Native Plants

Next, I will explain why to plant native plants. Native plants will attract more birds and benefit the ecosystem because over time, animals have adapted to them. Many people get rid of helpful native plants without even realizing. For example, when people pull out weeds, they are hurting the environment because weed seeds are a very important part of a sparrow's diet. Native plants help birds in many ways. Some examples include: Flowers like purple coneflowers and black-eyed susans have tiny seeds loved by finches and fruit trees like winterberries and peaches are essential for fruit-eating birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

Diversity

Also, the diversity of the plants matters. Having many species of plants will benefit your habitat greatly and will attract a variety of birds and other animals. Good luck, and have some fun birding!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my article! Using these simple tips, you can turn even a small urban backyard into a thriving bird paradise!!