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Help with city birding (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Arunav
- Start date
photo_luver
Well-known member
I need the same help cause in the city all i get are house and chipping sparrows and out at the lake i got 22 different species of bird in two days!
I have 6 feeders and a birdbath and suet out and only sparrows!
Thanks...
I have 6 feeders and a birdbath and suet out and only sparrows!
Thanks...
Erwin Driessens
Well-known member
Arunav said:
I live in a city too, the best places to go are cemeteries and parks. The more quiet the better.
Good luck,
Erwin
dendroica_john
Well-known member
I bird primarily in a city also. First I would scout out any parks or gardens to see what the possibilities are. Generally the places that have a mix of trees, shrubs, and water sources are best. Also waterfront areas should turn up birds - if you have any lakes or rivers check those, especially when water birds are in migration.
The key with urban birding is to be patient. Most of the time the birds you see will be common, but uncommon birds do show up with regularity. I find the best action is during the spring and fall migration seasons. Birds that otherwise would have nothing to do with an urban area can show up then. At those times, even tiny plots can be productive - D.C.'s first black-chinned hummingbird showed up in a very small garden between two museums.
As a last resort, try getting out of the city from time to time. If you don't have your own means of doing so, perhaps you could carpool with other local birders.
The key with urban birding is to be patient. Most of the time the birds you see will be common, but uncommon birds do show up with regularity. I find the best action is during the spring and fall migration seasons. Birds that otherwise would have nothing to do with an urban area can show up then. At those times, even tiny plots can be productive - D.C.'s first black-chinned hummingbird showed up in a very small garden between two museums.
As a last resort, try getting out of the city from time to time. If you don't have your own means of doing so, perhaps you could carpool with other local birders.
Stuart Watson
Well-known member
I find Burger drive thru car parks good for watching Carrion crow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Starling, House Sparrow and Dunnock regularly.
Best is usually to get a breakfast and cut dice half the scrambled egg then scatter off the tray. Sometimes upset restraunt litter patrol - but more often than not the birds flock down to clear it up quickly.
Occassionall get Blue Tit, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch and Chaffinch too.
Really common species, but can offer really close views. I`ve even had Carrion Crows (my favourite) and Starling sitting on my wing mirror and eating from my hand.
Best is usually to get a breakfast and cut dice half the scrambled egg then scatter off the tray. Sometimes upset restraunt litter patrol - but more often than not the birds flock down to clear it up quickly.
Occassionall get Blue Tit, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Goldfinch and Chaffinch too.
Really common species, but can offer really close views. I`ve even had Carrion Crows (my favourite) and Starling sitting on my wing mirror and eating from my hand.
Naturalist
Naturalist
birding in the city
In winter, the best tip I can give is look for feeders (seed, hummingbird, fruit, suet) as these are where the birds congregate.
In summer, look for water sources. All it takes is a drip to attract birds on a hot summer day.
Next, look for cover in the form of trees, bushes, overhangs etc where they can feel comfortable and are not exposed.
Try nest boxes and other sites where they might nest such as holes under roofs etc.
I can also recommned planting native plants and trees around your own home and yard, especially berry bushes for fruit eaters & nectar plants for hummers. This will be your best best for finding birds in the future!
Good luck.
In winter, the best tip I can give is look for feeders (seed, hummingbird, fruit, suet) as these are where the birds congregate.
In summer, look for water sources. All it takes is a drip to attract birds on a hot summer day.
Next, look for cover in the form of trees, bushes, overhangs etc where they can feel comfortable and are not exposed.
Try nest boxes and other sites where they might nest such as holes under roofs etc.
I can also recommned planting native plants and trees around your own home and yard, especially berry bushes for fruit eaters & nectar plants for hummers. This will be your best best for finding birds in the future!
Good luck.
Parks in the city.. do you not have these.?
we have an abundance of them and also
as someone mentioned, fall and spring we
see a great deal more. We also have our Lake
and many go there..
As well as a well known park, where the hawks go through
in September, I have been told.
Enjoy.
we have an abundance of them and also
as someone mentioned, fall and spring we
see a great deal more. We also have our Lake
and many go there..
As well as a well known park, where the hawks go through
in September, I have been told.
Enjoy.
[
Parks in the city.. do you not have these..
we have an abundance of them and also
as someone mentioned, fall and spring we
see a great deal more. We also have our Lake
and many go there..
We also have a beautiful park in the city
for hawk watching in September.
Can not wait.
Enjoy.
Hope you see some birds soon..
Parks in the city.. do you not have these..
we have an abundance of them and also
as someone mentioned, fall and spring we
see a great deal more. We also have our Lake
and many go there..
We also have a beautiful park in the city
for hawk watching in September.
Can not wait.
Enjoy.
Hope you see some birds soon..
birdpotter
Well-known member
I am an urban dweller as well. I have been pleasantly surprised by the diversity of birds I have seen around. Normally I only get a handful of different birds at my tiny little feeding station, but we have a neighborhood Cooper's Hawk, and I have seen other hawks catching a quick bite through even the most populated areas of the city.
It is very hard finding a decnt spot for birding in the city. You have to find something you are comfortable with that is the right environment for birds.
Funny, where I live, the spots with the most abundant bird sitings are near the city...of course, those of us who don't live out in the wonderful country side are going to do some serious seeking for good areas to get away!
Good luck
Keep us posted!
Best
Elizabeth
It is very hard finding a decnt spot for birding in the city. You have to find something you are comfortable with that is the right environment for birds.
Funny, where I live, the spots with the most abundant bird sitings are near the city...of course, those of us who don't live out in the wonderful country side are going to do some serious seeking for good areas to get away!
Good luck
Keep us posted!
Best
Elizabeth
