Fall is a time of year when you are likely to see increased activity at backyard birdfeeders. Not only are migrant birds passing through on their journey south, but residents are prepping for cooler days ahead. In the Midwest, you’re likely to see American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Northern Cardinals in your backyard year-round.
Viewer Tip: Encourage both migrant and resident birds to visit your yard with these tips, and enjoy the view!
§ Keep it Interesting. More than 100 different North American bird species visit feeders to supplement their diets. Offering different types of foods – seed, nuts, berries, or suet – and different kinds of feeders can attract diverse species to your yard.
§ Provide Water. A bird bath with clean water will attract birds. Place the bath about 15 feet from cover (such as trees), so that birds can see approaching predators. Water heaters are available to keep baths ice-free during the winter months.
§ Prevent Confrontations. If you can, keep your cat indoors to avoid conflicts. Added bonus: According to the American Humane Society, indoor cats live significantly longer than those who roam outside.
§ Share Your Observations. Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project Feeder Watch to help scientists track the movement and distribution of birds. It’s as simple as periodically counting the bird species you see in your yard from November through April. Visit http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw for more information.
(Sources: eNature. “Regional Birder: Midwest, October.” http://www.enature.com/birding/region_description.asp?bregionID=4; National Audubon Society. “Audubon At Home: An Invitation to a Healthy Yard.” http://www.audubonathome.org/yard/index.html; Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “All About Birds.” http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/)
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