Feeding Birds
Feeding Wild Birds – Bird feeding has been an American tradition since at least the times of Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau. It provides us with wonderful opportunities for close viewing of birds. It can also be good for birds.
Types of Bird Feeders – There are many different kinds of bird feeders on the market today, and many different choices of food to put in them. Which are best? The answer depends on the kinds of birds you want to attract.
Choosing Bird Seed – The seed that attracts the widest variety of birds, and so the best choice to offer, is sunflower. The worst choice is an inexpensive mixture, especially if it contains red millet, oats, and other “fillers” that most birds in most areas spurn. Wasted seed provides a breeding ground for bacteria and mold that can harm birds.
Feeding Hummingbirds – If you want a dawn-to-dark aerial show in your yard, you can feed hummingbirds. An article by Linda Aldrich
Diseased Birds at Your Feeder – Because feeders offer you an up-close view of birds, and because birds seek out easy meals when their health is compromised, you might occasionally see a sick bird at your feeder.
Feeder Maintenance and Hygiene – Cleaning bird feeders and birdbaths is a crucial practice in preventing the spread of disease between birds.
Safe Bird Feeding – Bird feeding is a popular endeavor enjoyed by millions of people and birds. But birds can be at risk at feeding stations – from predators and bird diseases. Proper precautions are necessary for safe bird feeding.
Project FeederWatch – Everything you wanted to know about feeding wild birds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Frequently asked questions from Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Landscaping for Birds
Landscaping for Birds – Putting up a feeder is an easy way to attract birds. But if you want to attract a wider variety of species, prefer your backyard birds to get a more natural diet, or wish to satisfy more than birds’ nutritional needs, consider landscaping your yard—even just a part of it—to be more bird-friendly.
Habitats for Birds – How to create an inviting habitat for birds by Larry Jordan (PDF)
Creating a Health Yard – Use the Habitat Inventory and the Priority Worksheet to create your individual Habitat Action Plan. Read helpful information on Gardening Basics and Bird Habitat Necessities.
Keeping Birds Safe Around Windows – According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, “One of the greatest hazards to birds is plate glass, with windows in homes and offices killing as many as one billion birds each year.
Bird Houses
The Definitive Guide To Building Your Own Birdhouses (PDF) – These birdhouse plans with diagrams and pictures will show you each step along the way to building your own quality birdhouse
Nest Box Specifications – Nesting box specifications for cavity nesting birds
Bluebird House Plan – Larry Jordan’s best bluebird nest box plan
Nest Box Resource Center – Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch has some great information on Nest Boxes (birdhouses)
Nest Box Monitoring Guide – Monitoring your bluebird trail in California from the California Bluebird Recovery Program
Nest Box Attributes – There are several requirements that need to be met for building or buying a good, safe, long lasting birdhouse