How to Make Birds Feel at Home Around Your Home By Melissa Stefanec
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hen the cold sets in, some animals hibernate. Others migrate to warmer locations. Instead of leaving their homes or entering stasis, many birds in New York state stay put and active throughout the coldest times of year. These birds can offer us some much needed vibrance and stimulation during the long, cold winters of CNY. If you’re interested in attracting and admiring birds this winter, here are some helpful tips regarding food, feeder placement and safety. Humans can unintentionally harm birds by creating scenarios for them to crash into glass, be preyed on by predators or feeding them unsafe foods, so learning the basics will help you turn your yard into a true bird haven. The CNY Winter Guide compiled information from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Audubon New York; and The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. If you create a safe and healthy environment for our feathered friends, you can truly enjoy the beauty and the peace they offer.
• Birds that spend winter with us Birds that don’t migrate during the colder months are called over-wintering birds. In New York, we have many over-wintering songbirds. When you are winter birdwatching, here are some of the species you may encounter: the Northern cardinal, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, American tree sparrow, darkeyed junco, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, blue jay, oriole, and various nuthatches, finches, grosbeaks, wrens, pigeons and doves. • How to attract birds to your yard without food Although a birdfeeder is likely the first thing that comes to mind when trying to attract birds to a yard, there are many things you can do to make your yard more appealing to birds. You can plant certain plants that will attract birds, even during the winter months. Planting native trees and shrubs is ideal (for the birds and the environment at large). Fruit and berry trees, as well as shrubs such as
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• Feeder basics: keep it clean and location, location, location Feeding birds is a sure-fire way to lure birds to your yard (and have them stick around long enough for you to observe them). There are some best practices for feeder placement that will keep your bird curiosity sated and birds safe. Many birds die after colliding with
Pileated woodpecker.
Northern cardinal.
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dogwoods, hollies, chokeberries, elderberries and cherries, can provide birds with the winter forage they crave. If you have any nest boxes, you should clear them of any sticks or debris. You can also maintain a pile of leaves in your yard. Leaf piles serve as compost. These piles attract insects that birds love to eat. Brush piles can perform similar functions and give birds a place to roost or hide. If you like a more decorative approach, heated bird baths are a bird favorite. It can be difficult for birds to find unfrozen water in the winter. A heated birdbath provides them with life-preserving water.
CNY WINTER GUIDE
