Want to welcome more wildlife into your backyard? Local bird expert Carol Chenault tells us how.
Local bird expert Carol Chenault tells us how to draw birds to your own backyard.
Certainly, nature walks are grand, but sometimes you just need to sit on the back patio and relax. So why not invite some wild feathered friends to come and visit. As local bird expert Carol Chenault explains, with a little coaxing (think: food, water and shelter), you can have “a much-needed connection to the natural world in your own backyard.” Here are a few of her basic tips to get you started bird-feeding and -watching:
- Spring and summer bring migrants to the area such as warblers, wrens, orioles and hummingbirds, while favorites such as cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, nuthatches, woodpeckers and blue jays can be seen at feeders year round.
- To decide where to place feeders and baths, start by sitting in your favorite chair in the house or on the patio. Check the sight lines, and determine locations that allow for the best viewing of the birds. Selecting the locations first will help you decide the type of feeder and food most appropriate to your backyard living space.
- Consider a squirrel-resistant feeder (like Brome’s Squirrel Buster or Droll Yankees Flipper) if squirrels can access the location. Squirrels can jump four to five feet vertically, 10 to 12 feet horizontally, and can climb metal poles or wood posts with ease. Placing a metal squirrel baffle on poles and posts will deter them from climbing.
- If the best line of sight is in a garden or patio area, use a shell-less, no-mess seed mix (like Kracker Jax), which will not germinate or leave shell debris.
- Select a seed feeder for birds such as cardinals, chickadees and blue jays; a nyjer feeder for goldfinches and house finches; a nectar feeder for hummingbirds; a suet feeder for woodpeckers and nuthatches; and a birdbath for all birds.
- Some birds such as house wrens, robins and warblers aren’t bird-seed eaters, but are attracted to the clean water in your bird bath.
- Hang a wren house five to 10 feet off the ground for the house wrens, who in turn will provide you with glorious song all spring and summer!
- Orioles are a thrill with their bright orange and black plumage. Orange halves, grape jelly, mealworms and nectar are their favorites.
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Ready to get started? Stop in to All Seasons Wild Bird Store for expert advice, handouts on bird feeding and feeder placement, and to pick up supplies. Nearby locations include: 816 W. 98th St., Bloomington, 952.884.4103; and 4759 Co. Rd. 101, Minnetonka, 952.935.5892
