How to attract & protect birds
June 2021
After a cold winter, the first sighting of a robin is a wonderful harbinger of spring. Whether or not you're an avid birdwatcher, you probably enjoy hearing bird calls and seeing a variety of birds in your yard. To attract even more birds and protect the ones you have, see the below tips from the National Audubon Society. Also check http://www.audubon.org for a a free bird guide app with info on more than 800 species of North American birds and great bird-related stories. One story relates directly to tip #4 below. Philadelphia is joining 30 other cities including Boston, Chicago, New York and Atlanta in Lights Out at night: https://www.audubon.org/news/its-time-lights-out-philadelphia
1. Reduce or eliminate pesticide and herbicide use.
By using fewer chemicals in and around your home, you will help keep birds, pets and your family healthy.
2. Create and protect water sources in your yard.
Birds need water to drink and bathe in, just like we do. Add a birdbath to your yard and be sure to keep it clean. Change the water three times per week when mosquitos are breeding.
3. Identify the non-native invasive plants in your region.
Work to remove them from your yard and don’t introduce any new ones. Invasives don’t provide as much good food or habitat as natives do and can threaten healthy ecosystems.
4. Reduce the amount of light emanating from your house at night.
Some birds use constellations to guide them on their annual migrations, and bright lights from windows and skylights can disrupt their steering senses. Close your blinds and turn off any unnecessary lights. Outside, install motion sensors for light only when needed. Use downward-facing fixtures to direct light appropriately.
5. Let your yard get a little messy.
Leave dying trees when possible as they provide great nesting places for birds. In the backyard, stack downed tree limbs to create a brush pile, which is a great source of cover for birds during bad weather.
6. Attract hummingbirds with sugar water.
Combine four parts hot water to one part white sugar and boil for one to two minutes. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners or food coloring. Clean feeders with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water once a week.