From the elm-tree’s topmost bough, Hark! the Robin’s early song! Telling one and all that now Merry spring-time hastes along; Welcome tidings dost thou bring, Little harbinger of spring; Robin’s come!
—William Warner Caldwell
Yes, the American robin, the little harbinger of spring, is a year-round resident throughout most of the United States. The robin is often the first bird you’ll spot in early spring as male and female pairs begin building their nests and eventually raising their young together.
I’ve been an avid birdwatcher for decades. Birdsong is both soothing and exhilarating; sweet songs wake me gently in the mornings and I’m energized by the many songs and calls I hear throughout the day. And there is no greater thrill than spotting a new bird species at our feeder, like the yellow-rumped warbler we saw earlier this year.
So here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve gleaned over the years to help you attract and enjoy a variety of beautiful songbirds, as well as advice to help you avoid some common mistakes.
Gather Essential Equipment
First, you’ll need a good field ID guide to the birds specific to your local area, state, or region. Traditional books and the more modern mobile apps will help acquaint you with the different birds, their habitats, and their nesting and food preferences. I recommend the “Birds of North America” (Golden Field Guide), “Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America,” and National Geographic books. Also, try these easy-to-use apps: the Merlin Bird ID, the Audubon Bird Guide, and iBird, which are all free and work with both iPhones and android phones.Binoculars are also a must-have item, and these need not be expensive. I bought my pair at a discount years ago and they have served me well.
Visit the National Audubon Society website, your go-to place for all things birds and birdwatching essentials, for reviews and recommendations for field ID guides, binoculars, spotter scopes, and cameras, as well as advice for taking great photos and so much more.
Another handy item is a notebook to log all the bird species you spot and any notes about location, habitat, number of birds, etc.
Create a Bird-Friendly Atmosphere
Create a bird-friendly atmosphere in three simple steps: Hang up a feeder with seed, plant a few flowering plants in the ground or in containers near your feeder, and provide a water source. Bingo! Enjoy watching the birds discover your new feeder, while you continue to add to your bird habitat.You can purchase a bird feeder from any hardware or farm store but, if you’re crafty or on a budget, you can easily make a DIY birdfeeder from a milk jug. For more inspiration, Pinterest has myriad ideas.
I suggest you start with a basic songbird seed blend which contains fruits and nuts, two all-time songbird favorites. This will attract a wide variety of birds and is readily available at most feed and farm supply stores.
Set the stage with plants that provide edible seeds and fruit such as sunflowers, coneflowers, daisies, asters, and berry plants, which are all perennials (regrow every spring) and grow well in both the ground or in containers. Also, consider adding a shrub or two such as a lilac or a butterfly bush.
Adding a water source will definitely boost bird traffic. And bird baths are available in a variety of styles so whether you have a backyard, patio, or balcony, you’ll be able to find the perfect water source to match your need.
Now consider adding to your basic feeding station. Add a suet feeder for woodpeckers and blue jays and a thistle (Nyjer) feeder for little birds like sparrows, black-capped chickadees, house finches, pine siskins, and American goldfinches. Add a hummingbird feeder and make a simple DIY nectar of four parts water and one part white sugar to easily attract hummingbirds. Mix it well, add a couple drops of red food coloring, and you’ll quickly lure those speedy, acrobatic marvels.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Bird feeders left out during the night can attract unwanted attention, such as white-tailed deer and raccoons who will not only eat the bird seed but may knock down and/or break your feeders. I recommend taking all feeders inside at sunset and storing them in a utility room or closet and rehanging them in the morning.Suet feeders can melt and spoil when temperatures heat up. Birds & Blooms Magazine recommends you take suet feeders down and store them in a cool place indoors when temperatures reach 70 degrees F. However, you can play it by ear when temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees by checking the consistency of the suet throughout the day.
Never underestimate the craftiness of squirrels. Believe me when I say that squirrels are astonishingly clever and persistent and will repeatedly look for new ways to access your bird feeders no matter how many precautions you take.
Also, it’s good to wash your feeders regularly.
Bird watching is an inexpensive hobby that can grow right along with the flowers and shrubs you plant around your feeders. It’s fun and fascinating as well as an easy way to relax and unwind after a long or stressful day.
