Inviting Birds to Your Backyard

In the last 50 years the U.S. and Canada have lost three billion birds over the last 50 years, according to the 2022 State of the Birds report. In Florida, during the fall migration, millions of migratory birds passed through our State, and inviting birds to our backyard is a way to provide that last chance for those bird species to live and raise their young for future generations. 

It all begins with the plants that will provide the food, shelter and cover and a place to raise their young. The male and female Painted Buntings (Passerina ciris) are frequent visitors to many local feeders but are very shy. Males have distinct purple, blue, red, yellow and green plumage while the females are yellowish green. According to FWC, they are a native species but are rapidly declining and their Florida breeding and winter season surveys have shown a four to six percent decrease in numbers.

Consider using native plants to attract a diverse number of birds such as Northern Cardinals, colorful, always in pairs and always the first at the bird feeder. And what about Florida’s state bird – the northern Mockingbird, an amazing songbird and mimic!

Birds and insects recognize the native plant species as being beneficial to them. Adult birds do not eat insects and eat nothing but seeds, but they need insects to feed their young. Butterflies lay their eggs on native plants and their caterpillars eat only native plants, and in turn, become food sources for young birds. 

Don’t be so neat in your backyard habitat. I usually leave the fruits and seed heads on the plants for the birds. Make sure that you provide a variety of shelters such as shrubs, bushes, and thickets as ground covers for nesting and for protection.

Water is a main attraction that will bring birds to your backyard, especially during the dry winter months in Florida. Birds use water for drinking, bathing and just pure fun. Bird baths come in various sizes and shapes - something that is not too deep will appeal to most birds. Add a rock in the middle of the bowl so smaller birds will feel comfortable and make sure to clean and sanitize it often to prevent bacteria from forming.

Usually, we got started with a hummingbird feeder and added a bigger feeder for the general population and then a specialty feeder for smaller finches and buntings. 

I prefer to do my own seed mix for the larger birds consisting of black oil sunflower seeds, shelled sunflowers, and a handful of millet seeds. Often, you’ll have a feeder filled and within half an hour, most of the seeds are on the ground wasted and making a big mess. Those popular bird seed mixes often have cracked corn or grain as cheap fillers but most birds don’t usually eat grain.

Note: Bird feeders also attract rats at night and no matter what you do, there is always unwanted seed spillage. Many homeowners use rodenticide to get rid of their rat population. The owls that hunt them will eat the rodents and they will also get poisoned as well.

It is suggested that you install a bird feeder farther away from your house structure, preferably in a more open area, and make sure your seed mixes don’t contain grains that attract rats. 

But you don’t need fancy bird feeders to create a backyard habitat. Mature trees in your backyard are just as critical for the protection of your wildlife and cutting them down is one of the many reasons we are losing many of our local bird population. Every week on Marco, a vacant lot is converted into a residential home, displacing a habitat vital for many of our local wildlife.

In creating your backyard bird habitat, keep in the mind the following:

Birds need water, food and shelter.

A natural habitat will attract and keep birds around.

Adding Florida native plants will also keep our native birds and insects 

year-round.

Make sure to keep your birdbaths and bird feeders clean.

Don’t use pesticides and rodenticides.

Only buy high-quality seeds without grain fillers.