Hello,
My husband and I have recently discovered birdwatching as a hobby and we both really enjoy it. We very quickly decided that we wanted to create a bird space in our yard. I have done research on the types of things that different birds like around here, flowers/shrubs to plant, water sources, types of feed and feeders. Our neighborhood consists of several houses, rather close together, with small yards. Our yard backs up to a retention pond which attracts lots of waders; we see many egrets, herons, anhingas, pelicans, etc. On the other side of the "lake" is a somewhat busy road.
The area we've chosen to develop as a bird garden is in the middle of the backyard, with shrubs nearby (against the house) and a clump of a 2 or 3 palm-type trees about 30 feet away (they do provide some dense shelter and our current birds like hanging out there). Currently we mostly see starlings, doves and mockingbirds. We like those just fine but I'm really hoping we can attract a variety of other birds with the right food and plant life.
Without having any heavily wooded areas nearby, I guess my question is do you think I can expect to see some different things now that I'm offering food and such? Or will I need to learn to be happy with my mockingbirds and little blue herons?
Here's a little about my setup:
- Double shepard's hook with hummingbird feeder and a hopper with black oil sunflower seeds
- Bird bath
- Knockout rose bushes
I was going to plant a firebush, some lantana, and some zinnias or black-eyed susans. The area gets full sun. We have a high insect population including spiders and worms (and lovebugs at the moment, like everyone else).
As for what I want to attract, anything really.. jays, cardinals, titmice, sparrows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and of course the ones everyone wants (buntings, tanagers, orioles, etc.). I just like seeing different things. I chose pure black oil sunflower seeds because it is said to be something that is widely sought after by a lot of different species.
I would really appreciate any thoughts or ideas. Thank you
My husband and I have recently discovered birdwatching as a hobby and we both really enjoy it. We very quickly decided that we wanted to create a bird space in our yard. I have done research on the types of things that different birds like around here, flowers/shrubs to plant, water sources, types of feed and feeders. Our neighborhood consists of several houses, rather close together, with small yards. Our yard backs up to a retention pond which attracts lots of waders; we see many egrets, herons, anhingas, pelicans, etc. On the other side of the "lake" is a somewhat busy road.
The area we've chosen to develop as a bird garden is in the middle of the backyard, with shrubs nearby (against the house) and a clump of a 2 or 3 palm-type trees about 30 feet away (they do provide some dense shelter and our current birds like hanging out there). Currently we mostly see starlings, doves and mockingbirds. We like those just fine but I'm really hoping we can attract a variety of other birds with the right food and plant life.
Without having any heavily wooded areas nearby, I guess my question is do you think I can expect to see some different things now that I'm offering food and such? Or will I need to learn to be happy with my mockingbirds and little blue herons?
Here's a little about my setup:
- Double shepard's hook with hummingbird feeder and a hopper with black oil sunflower seeds
- Bird bath
- Knockout rose bushes
I was going to plant a firebush, some lantana, and some zinnias or black-eyed susans. The area gets full sun. We have a high insect population including spiders and worms (and lovebugs at the moment, like everyone else).
As for what I want to attract, anything really.. jays, cardinals, titmice, sparrows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and of course the ones everyone wants (buntings, tanagers, orioles, etc.). I just like seeing different things. I chose pure black oil sunflower seeds because it is said to be something that is widely sought after by a lot of different species.
I would really appreciate any thoughts or ideas. Thank you