26 Apr 2022 | Apex Environmental Services (UK) Ltd
Nesting season has to be among the best seasons ever! It is exciting and thrilling to watch various types of birds create homes for their babies and likewise watch these babies leave their nests; it is a wonderful way to connect and be close to nature. However, getting these birds to feel comfortable enough to nest in your backyard can be challenging.
On the other hand, most people would do anything to keep birds away from their buildings, and that’s fair too. You can start by installing a permanent or temporary netting system that’ll keep bird infestation to a minimal level.
Moving on, if you are trying to build a safe haven for birds in your courtyard, there are a few tips you can try to encourage them to stay:
Provision of Food
Something has to attract nesting birds to your yard, and what better bait than food? Figure out the types of birds common in your environment and conduct research on the particular food they eat. Ensure you provide different kinds of foods for the various species situated in your area. Note that different birds can also be attracted to your yard based on the particular season.
Type of Feeder
The feeder provided has a strong impact on the type of birds attracted to your home. Irrespective of the type of bird you wish to attract, a bird feeder has some basic requirements. For instance, the feeder should be dry most of the time to ensure that cleaning is easy and done frequently. You must clean up the bird feeders regularly to be certain that the food is germ-free and healthy. There are different varieties of feeders for nesting birds, but some of the well-known ones include:
- House Feeders: Using house feeders, you place the seeds in a confined space and dispense them periodically as the nesting birds feed on the smaller tray located at the base of your feeder.
- Suet Feeders: These specially designed feeders dish out suet cakes that attract birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, and even nuthatches.
- Tray Feeders: These feeders are known to be very simple because they give nesting birds easy access to their seeds. Another benefit of this feeder is that it can also be used by squirrels giving room for different wildlife.
Set out Nesting Materials
Yes! Nesting materials; you can aid nesting birds in creating their abode in your yard. They are quite indigenous in building their nests, so they use different materials, even items we view as garbage. A popular method of attracting nesting beds is using natural fibres such as clumps of pet hair, cottonwood, shredded papers, etc. they tend to use these types of materials to create beddings for their hatchlings. However, certain materials should not be added to your nesting materials, materials such as aluminium foil, tinsel, and dryer lint. These items cause injuries to hatchlings because they are either made of metal or plastic.
Plant Native Plants and Trees
Using a local guide, you can find trees naturally growing in your area, attracting birds and then planting them. Native shrubs and plants attract nesting beds more than their non-native counterparts. Certain native shrubs also act as natural cover for these birds during certain seasons like winter. Different birds are easily attracted to any fruits, so planting an apple tree would not be such a bad idea to attract those nesting birds.
Keep Predators Away
One thing is for sure: no animal would nest in a place where there are predators or even possible predators. Nothing would make all your efforts of attracting a nesting bed faster than having a predator around; it could be larger birds, your cat, reptiles, and mammals. If you have these kinds of predators, ensure you keep your pets at bay during nesting periods. There are certain props you can purchase to protect nesting birds from various predators; they include:
- Baffles: Baffles are great props for keeping predators away from your bed nest. It prevents them from climbing and reaching the nesting birds. Predators that climb, such as raccoons, cats, and even squirrels, are usually frustrated by baffles.
- Portalguard: This is a well-known method used for ages to avert predators from making their way into a birdhouse. It also has a reinforced opening that prevents rodents from chewing and getting in.
Maintain the Feeder
You must frequently change and replace the seeds provided for the nesting beds, likewise their water. Every week, this should be done using a bar of soap and water to ensure it is thoroughly cleansed. If this is not conducted or done properly, it can affect the feeding of the birds as their food is susceptible to moulding. An untidy feeder also attracts other dangerous animals that should be nowhere near nesting birds.
Build a Birdhouse
Yet another well-known means of attracting nesting birds is building a birdhouse, of course! If you wish to attract different birds, you should conduct thorough research on the best nesting habitat for each. Some species of birds do not use birdhouses but rather love nests that wouldn't enclose them.
Provide a Water Source
Birds are naturally attracted to moving or dripping water. You can purchase a birdbath and ensure it is not far from the ground or slippery. Placing the birdbath is also very important because it shouldn't be close to bushes where cats or other predators may likely hide.
Leave an already built nest alone!
It is not news that birds usually create their homes most at times for nesting. Upon discovery, ensure you do not make moves that terrify the birds or disrupt their homes. Purchase a pair of binoculars to observe the nesting beds in your yard but do not frequently check up on them as this can be a disturbance.
Conclusion
Having birds live and procreate in your yard can also be a wonderful feeling and fascinating also! There are many ways to attract these creatures into your environment to nest. Ranging from building a birdhouse, providing food, and planting native shrubs to maintaining the feeder, the options are numerous. Find the best format that works for you and stick to it!
