6 STEPS TO CREATING

A BACKYARD BIRD HAVEN

The folks at Redfin reached out to me recently and asked if I’d share my top tips on how to create a bird sanctuary in your backyard.

I loved this idea… and came up with my top 6 tips tips, a few not quite so mainstream that I thought they might enjoy.

In the end, they used one of my sentences.😉

I guess that how it goes when 21 stellar birding organizations from all across the country offer their best tips as well.

I was honored to be included in their article no matter what.

To read my tips...You will find them below.

If you’d like to check out the Redfin article, just click this link…Feathering The Nest: Expert Tips For Creating a Backyard Bird Sanctuary.

Backyard Bird Sanctuary with sun rising through the mist

I like to think outside the box when it comes to creating a thriving bird haven for your backyard. A lovely way to begin, is to visit your local Audubon center or nature preserve that supports birds.

Observe what is working, what inspires you, and what would be most suitable for your unique backyard.

After you’ve allowed your observations to sink in…

You can follow these 6 STEPS TO CREATING YOUR BACKYARD BIRD HAVEN:

  1. If You Plant It, They Will Come – This means more than simply options for food, nesting, and shelter, though these are essential. It also includes roosting, bathing – both dust and water – and singing perch options.
  2. Native Plants Are Key– Seek out a native plant nursery in your area for a diverse range of local native plants. Aim for a nice mix of trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers with staggered blooming times. Select plants that produce berries, seeds, nectar, or will be home to insects throughout the year, as these are all important food sources for birds. Berries being an easy favorite for both people and birds.
  3. Water Features Rule – Bird baths and fountains are an excellent alternative or addition to bird feeders. Especially in parts of the country where bears and rodents can be a concern. Pro tip: Ensure the water is fresh, shallow, moving or bubbling and is placed on or very close to the ground.
  4. There’s No Place Like Home: Install a birdhouse or nesting box designed for specific bird species like blue birds, Purple Martins, Barn Owls or Wood Ducks.
  5. Mimic Mama Nature: Allow plants to go to seed and dry stalks to stand until the following spring. This may be hard for some folks, but the birds will love it.  For Bonus Points – Join the “No Mow May” movement.
  6. Think Long-term: Enjoy the journey. It may take time for birds to discover your thriving new bird haven, but soon enough, word will spread and you’ll be the coolest house on the block.
Identifying The Key Features On a Bird’s Head

Identifying The Key Features On a Bird’s Head

Identifying The Key Features On a Bird’s Head

Does it ever sound like a foreign language when you listen to a master birder speak about the features on a bird’s body?

Well, it kind of is.

Today, I’m going to walk you through 12 topographical features on a bird’s head to help you build your confidence and knowledge of this secret language.

We’ll take a closer look at a few helpful species like, the Black-throated Gray Warbler, the Cape May Warbler, the Townsend’s Solitaire, and the Northern Flicker.

Learning Bird Song In The Winter? Start with the Jay

Learning Bird Song In The Winter? Start with the Jay

Learning Bird Song In The Winter? Start with the Jay

Learning bird song can be a challenging undertaking. I’ve always found that the people who start trying to learn in the winter are better prepared for all of the migrating birds in the spring.
 
Here’s a little inspiration to get you started this time of year.
 
It’s not always easy to find vocal birds in the winter. Well, not only can you be certain that the jays are going to have something to say throughout the day, they can be found all throughout North America this time of year.

If you’d like to know more about how to LEARN BIRD SONG click this link

If You Want to Go Deeper With Your Birding Skills, Accept This Challenge

If You Want to Go Deeper With Your Birding Skills, Accept This Challenge

If You Want to Go Deeper With Your Birding Skills, Accept This Challenge

I was watching a group of Hooded Merganser’s on a local pond the other day and saw something that I never would have noticed if I hadn’t agreed to challenge myself.

This challenge has helped to break me out of my rut with birding and I want to share it with you today.

It has pushed me to see the birds I am already familiar with in a much deeper way.

Enjoy,

~ Kristi

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Thanks to the good folks at Flickr Creative Commons for the following images:
Hooded Merganser – USFWS – Flickr Creative Commons – 2015
Cooper’s Hawk – Renee Grayson – Flickr Creative Commons – 2018

Leave a comment below to let me know how the challenge goes for you.

The Best Time To Go Birding (To Experience the MAGIC)

The Best Time To Go Birding (To Experience the MAGIC)

The Best Time To Go Birding (To Experience the MAGIC)

 Most birders head out early in the morning or a little later in the day to find the “good” birds, but very few people go out at this time of day.

In fact, I’m often the only one watching birds during this time of day. I have to say, some of my most magic experiences, as well as some of the largest numbers of birds I’ve seen have been witnessed at this time of day.

Check out the video below to hear more.

 

P.S. … If you are looking for a bird nerd gift this holiday season, come check out www.birdmentor.com to pick up my new FREE book, Identify Any Bird Anywhere.