As with all of us, birds have basic needs, and by meeting them, we can welcome more birds into our yard.
Among the needs are
- Shelter: This includes areas of protection from predators and safe places to raise a family. For example, bathing leaves birds vulnerable, so placing a bird bath close to a protective shrub or evergreen may help them. Appropriately placing birdhouses may help in an area lacking natural cavities.
- Food: Examples include seeds, berries, insects, and caterpillars. Even our regular seed eaters become voracious insect eaters when raising the young.
- Water: A year-round supply of fresh water, in addition to your bird feeder, will attract more birds than you might not otherwise see. The sound of moving water, in particular, attracts birds. During the winter, it is easy to use a deicer to keep the water from freezing.
Across your yard and the area around you, you may already be off to a great start! Be inspired by nature, and think of the layering that occurs. Think of trees, smaller trees, understory, shrubs, vines, perennials, flowers, and grasses.
When possible, expand vertical and horizontal connectivity. Even small changes and small areas can have a big impact. It can constantly be evolving; however, start with a plan and remember to bear in mind ease of care and vantage points.
Above all else, enjoy and have fun!
Shelter
Birds Likely to Use Backyard Birdhouses
| TYPE OF BIRD | *BIRDHOUSE HOLE SIZE | BOX HEIGHT OFF GROUND |
|---|---|---|
| Bluebirds | 1½–1¾” | 3’–5’ |
| Chickadees | 1″–1⅛” | 4’–15’ |
| Flycatcher | 2½” | 8’–20’ |
| Red Breasted Nuthatch | 1″–1⅛” | 8’–20’ |
| White Breasted Nuthatch | 1¼”–1¾” | 8’–20’ |
| Tree Swallows | 1¼”–1¾” | 4’–15’ |
| Titmice | 1¼”-1¾” | 5’–15’ |
| Downy Woodpecker | 1½” | 5’–20’ |
| Hairy Woodpecker | 2½” | 5’–20’ |
| Red Bellied Woodpecker | 2½” | 5’–20’ |
| Flicker Woodpecker | 2½” | 5’–20’ |
| House Wren | 1″–1⅛” | 5’–10’ |
| *Holes larger than 1½” allows House Sparrows in; these are not a desired bird. |
Other Birds in Our Area That May Use Nest Boxes
› Barn Owl
› Barred Owl
› Saw Whet Owl
› Screech Owl
› Carolina Wren
› Purple Martin (Colony Nester)
› Prothonotary Warbler
› Wood Duck
› Bat (Mammal)
Gasper carries OVER 40 different kinds of birdhouses. Stop by to find one for your yard!
Food
Birds that may come to a Fruit Feeder
- Halved Oranges: Oriole
- Halved Apples: Blue Birds, Mocking Bird, Robin, Catbird, Flycatcher, Thrush, and Woodpeckers.
- You can also experiment with other fruit.
- Fruit Jelly is also popular.
- Place these feeders in the open where migrating birds can easily see them. The fruit may also attract insects and bugs, so space it a little further from paths and patios.
- Fruit Feeders: place them in an open area where they can be easily seen
Mealworms and Wax Worm Lovers
Blue Birds, Buntings, Cardinals, Catbirds, Mockingbirds, Nut Hatches, Robins, Woodpeckers, Orioles, Warbler, and Vireos.
We carry a variety of bird feeders, from squirrel away types, hummingbird feeders, suet feeders, thistle feeders, and regular seed feeders in different sizes and styles. You will surely find a feeder and seed for the birds at Gasper!
Water
Gasper carries many different varieties of birdbaths. Choose from metal, glass, ceramic, hanging, on a stake or railing, or firmly on the ground. Here are just a few images to take a peek at.
