Dear Seasoned Spade,
I’m trying to make my backyard more bird-friendly, but honestly, it feels like I’m just feeding squirrels and the occasional rogue raccoon. Any tips for attracting the right kind of feathered friends?
Signed, Perplexed in Poughkeepsie
Ah, the classic quest for a backyard full of chirping, colorfully-feathered avians—without attracting every furry, snack-stealing rodent in the neighborhood. Believe me, you’re not alone in this pursuit. Everyone wants to turn their yard into a scene straight out of a nature documentary, but sometimes it feels more like an episode of Wild Kingdom where the birds just aren’t interested in your offer. Let’s see how we can get those winged visitors to swoop in without causing you to go full Alfred Hitchcock.
The Problem: Birds Are Divas
Here’s the thing: birds are picky. Not just any old backyard will do for these flighty creatures. You can’t just throw up a bird feeder and expect a parade of finches and sparrows to line up for their meal. Oh no. They need a little more finesse—some strategy, even. Otherwise, you’re stuck with squirrels, which, let’s face it, are the unsolicited party guests of the backyard world.
Let’s not forget that your birds might prefer something a little more exotic than just your run-of-the-mill sunflower seeds, which is why they might be giving your bird bath the cold shoulder. Birds like variety and comfort, much like a good brunch spot—some plants, a little water, and a side of snacks. If you aren’t getting the crowd you want, it might be because your backyard looks more like a barren wasteland than a sanctuary.
The Solution: How to Win Over Birds (and Keep the Squirrels at Bay)
1. Plant the Right Stuff Birds love their greens, so let’s start with the basics—native plants. Think of them as the local food truck for birds. You wouldn’t go to a tourist trap for authentic tacos, and your backyard birds feel the same about non-native plants. Try planting things like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or native grasses. These plants give birds food, shelter, and a chance to gossip in private.
2. Water, Water, Water A birdbath is a no-brainer, but there’s an art to it. Birds are picky about their water too—make sure the water is fresh, clean, and shallow enough for easy access. And while we’re at it, let’s talk about birdbaths as more than just a decorative item. The more you add the sound of running water—think a small fountain or even a bubbling stone—the more you’ll see birds flocking in. It’s like the VIP lounge of your backyard.
3. Keep the Squirrels in Check Ah, yes, the squirrel situation. You can’t just have a birdfeeder hanging there with peanuts in plain sight and expect it to be a no-squirrel zone. If you’re serious about attracting birds, get a squirrel-proof feeder (spoiler alert: they exist, and they work). Also, try placing the feeders far away from trees or fences so squirrels can’t leap from a perch. Because nothing says “bird sanctuary” like watching squirrels do Olympic-level gymnastics to ruin your setup.
4. Add Nesting Boxes Birds need a place to rest too. A nesting box or two can go a long way, particularly for species that love a cozy nook (we’re talking wrens and chickadees). Make sure to place the boxes in quiet corners of your yard where birds can retreat for some peace and privacy. It’s like Airbnb for birds, but they’ll definitely leave a five-star review if it’s in a nice location.
5. Avoid Common Birding Mistakes Don’t buy birdseed just because it says “birdseed” on the label. Many of those mixes are filled with things like millet that no self-respecting bird will touch. Stick with sunflower seeds, thistle, and suet cakes. And no, they’re not here for your stale bread. Birds have high standards—treat them like royalty, and they’ll return the favor.
Here’s the deal: birding isn’t an instant gratification hobby. You might have to wait a little longer than you’d like to see a blue jay sip from your newly installed birdbath. But the good news is, the more you follow these tips, the more likely your feathered friends will come flocking in. Keep the patience game strong and soon enough, your backyard will be the hottest bird spot in the neighborhood. And if a squirrel sneaks by, well… that’s just the price of admission.
Seasonedly yours,
The Seasoned Spade
