If you wander about your backyard, you may listen to beautiful chirping sounds made by wild birds flying here and there. In fact, wild bird feeding can be quite an entertaining activity that offers you unique chances to attract lots of wild birds and enjoy watching them while feeding. However, it has to be done responsibly and safely to ensure that neither you nor birds can get any harm. Considering that, in the following paragraphs, you will learn how to feed wild birds in a responsible manner.
Picking an Appropriate Bird Feeder
First and foremost, one has to be concerned with choosing an appropriate bird feeder. Actually, there are lots of different types of feeders that vary in shapes, sizes, features, and functionality. You need to select a bird feeder that would be easy to clean and resistant to damage. Additionally, it has to attract a variety of birds and offer several perches so that many birds could eat simultaneously without filling up the feeder. Also, you need to pick a feeder that will not be liked by pesky squirrels. To do that, you can go for a bird feeder that has weight-activated perches that automatically collapse once the bird’s weight exceeds the set limit.
Next, you need to think of a kind of seed you are going to use for feeding your birds. It goes without saying that many people prefer using black oil sunflower seeds for they attract cardinals, finches, and sparrows. Nonetheless, it has to be kept in mind that in each specific location there exist specific requirements regarding seeds that can attract particular birds. For instance, if you notice many squirrels in your backyard, it would be reasonable to use squirrel-resistant seeds. They include safflower seeds and Nyjer seeds.
Finding the Best Location for the Feeder
Once you purchase the right bird feeder, you have to think of the best place where you can put it. First of all, you need to guarantee that the feeder is not subjected to direct sunlight during hot days as seeds need to stay fresh. Besides, you need to make sure that birds will feel safe while eating. Thus, the feeder must be placed ten feet away from trees and buildings since predators can perch and catch birds that can easily be seen. It is better to choose areas that have few places for hiding from a predator.
Also, you need to consider what types of plants should be used to create an environment suitable for feeding wild birds. Actually, native plants can play an important role in attracting birds as they can be used as a source of food. In this context, it is best to plant coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and sunflowers for they attract lots of birds.
Feeding Birds with Water
In addition to feeding birds with seeds, it is vital to provide them with water. In this case, it is best to purchase a birdbath with twigs for wild birds to drink. Apart from that, you need to change the water regularly so as to keep it hygienic. You have to think of the place where you will locate your bird feeder. First of all, it must receive only partial sunlight. Otherwise, the water will dry up and begin developing bacteria and algae. Therefore, you need to install misters or sprinklers on the birdbath to provide drinking water for the birds.
Preventing Mistakes While Feeding Wild Birds
As it has been mentioned above, feeding wild birds is not as straightforward as it may seem at first sight. In fact, you have to avoid making mistakes that could hurt birds or other wildlife. First of all, you should avoid overfeeding because it may lead to birds relying only on human-made feeders and deprive them of their abilities to find something to eat in nature. Moreover, you need to avoid picking the wrong seeds and feeders since they can attract the wrong type of birds or mess up your backyard.
Finally, one should refrain from using pesticides in his garden. They can be very harmful to birds since they kill them. Instead, it is best to use some natural methods of protecting plants from pests.
Creating Bird-Friendly Backyard
Last but not least, one can use trees and shrubs in order to attract more birds. In fact, planting trees and shrubs can create a bird-friendly environment where birds could relax and forage in a comfortable manner. In this context, it is recommended to use native trees, such as oak, maple, or pine. Also, flowering shrubs, including blueberry bushes, and evergreens, such as cedar or juniper, can be planted in your garden.
Conclusion
Thus, feeding wild birds provides you with unique opportunities to attract lots of birds to your backyard and observe their activities. However, to feed wild birds responsibly and safely, you need to follow some important steps. These include picking the appropriate bird feeder and seeds, choosing the best location, installing a bird bath, avoiding common mistakes, and creating a bird-friendly environment.
