How do I attract a greater variety of birds to my bird feeders?
August 5, 2011 Bird Suet Feeder
I live in the Midwest and enjoy feeding the birds. I feed sunflower seeds, suet cakes, thistle, and sugar water. I also have a bird bath. I get a nice variety of cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, finches, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and even an occasional duck — but is there something could offer to bring in rarer birds? Like Orioles? Bluebirds? Doves? More? I live near a creek, greenway and several large, heavily wooded parks.
Thanks — all your answers are great; I’ll give them a try. Unfortunately, I can’t leave a thumbs up — "Pollice verso" — for all of you as a "Level 1," but if I could, I would.
Comments (6)
Hummingbirds are fun, entertaining, full of energy and it’s easy to attract hummingbirds.
the single most impt. thing I did was plant a variety of evergreens in my yard.
The birds love them! I also have a variety of feeders and water features.
Blue birds like the high bird houses near an open prairie, and they are shy
so they wont move in if there is "activity" nearby.
I turned my sprinkler on yesterday ( so hot) and within 5 minutes my
son and I were watching the hummingbirds play in it. They love
moving water. Orioles you have to catch in Mar/April in the midwest.
Put out oranges cut in half and nesting material.
Thistle for goldfinches.
Planting certain perenniels can also help, purple coneflower,
sunflowers, globethistle, bee balm, etc. You will also get
the butterflies! bonus! Good luck
wow im from scranton pa and u have the best of the best, balts i have no idea, but the redwings like catof nine tails, the swamp plant that has a high brown pod im sure u know what i mean. blue birds i know takes a community house certain size hole and they come in spring and leave in summer when the fledlings are ready. only other thing i can mention is meat for the raptors. perigrin red tailed or owls etc. hope this helps 1 bird lover to another
The more types of feed the better chances you’ll have.
Google what those birds eat and buy it or make it.
Habitats are also helpful so google what makes them feel more at ease and create it.
For example: I get more birds at my feeder hanging 10 feet off the ground from a tree than I do on the feeders that are in the middle of the yard on stands attached to posts in the ground.
Habitat and what they eat…goggle it for each bird you want and do what it suggests and you’ll have a few more species coming around.
I’m getting Bluejays to come with just wheat bread, blueberries and yes…popcorn.
bird feeder http://ziji.info/26391/bird-feeder
Orioles love oranges that are cut in half and speared onto a pole. Offering nut and fruit blend birdseed will also attract a lot of different type songbirds – but you will also get the grackles and crows – word seems to spread fast when they know there is a feast around. Woodpeckers also show up at my hummingbird feeders and peck at the holes. Bluebirds are attracted to meal worms which are available at the more speciality stores (like Tractor supply) as well as many online sources.
Bottom line – the more variety you offer the birds – the more variety of birds you will have!