home & hearth Creating a Backyard Bird Feeding Oasis

By Rebecca Barnes

Want to get up close and personal with the wild birds around your home? Creating a backyard bird feeding station is an easy way to make that happen. Of course, you'll need more than just food; follow our simple steps below for how-to instructions! Now's your chance to attract local species of feathered friends right outside your door — happy watching!

Choose the Right Station Location Location, Location, Location. Creating an inviting environment is key to attracting certain species of wild birds! Read up on what the birds you want to attract prefer to eat and how they eat. For instance, hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-rich plants like shrubs with tubular flowers that guarantee them sweet treats! Keep convenience in mind when selecting a spot for your birdfeeding station. Choose an area with an easy view from your patio or deck so you can enjoy their comings and goings. For effortless upkeep, pick somewhere conveniently accessible to make food refills quick-and-easy.

Meeting Basic Habitat Needs

Basic habitat needs are essential. These include a spot to land and take off from, where they can perch while looking for food or shelter, and where they can find cover when the weather turns bad, or predators appear!

Create a cozy and safe environment for visiting birds by looking for available spots along the edge of your woods or near trees and shrubs. This will give them peace of mind, allowing an easy escape should any potential danger appear nearby. Some bird species may even explore these areas first to gain trust in their new surroundings. Cardinals are one species that loves to be extra cautious!

Want to make sure squirrels don't get the jump on your bird feeders? Place them close enough for easy access but not too near a tree or fence – otherwise, those cunning critters could hop off their launchpad and dive right into breakfast!

Stay Away from Home

Birdwatching can be a fun hobby, and setting up your feeding station near the window may seem like the best way to get an excellent view of all those feathery friends. However, keeping some distance between home and "the cafe" is essential for their protection! So instead, place feeders at least 30 feet away from windows — this gives birds enough room if they ever need to escape any predators in sight.

If you want your local feathered friends to hover close-by, consider placing a bird feeder near your window. This way, even if flight occurs, they won't get too far away or have time and distance for it to cause harm.

So, Let's Talk About Bird Feeders

When it comes to bird feeders, variety is key! To ensure your backyard visitors are both plentiful and varied in species, hang multiple types of bird feeders. Explore the popular options for attracting feathered friends nearby. Here are some feeder styles to check out:

• Ground platform • Hopper

• Nyger seed • Pole-mounted

• Nectar • Suet

Add a Sturdy Bird Feeder Pole

Did you decide to set up a few pole-mounted bird feeders around your station? Buying a strong, durable one that you know will hold up against adverse weather, beating sun, and the curious paws of wannabe intruders is always best.

Landscaping With Birds in Mind

If you've got a yard lacking natural features, don't despair! Adding some trees and shrubs to your property is an easy way of creating the perfect atmosphere for wild birds. Embrace the beauty of nature by choosing native plants. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they will also attract local insects and provide healthy nourishment for birds. Nature lovers will be delighted by how quickly their backyard transforms into a habitat full of life!

Invest in the Best (Bird Food)

Feeding birds nutritious, tasty food is key to keeping them coming back for more! Avoid seed blends with filler ingredients like milo, oats, or wheat. They may be cheap but they offer little sustenance. Look at labels carefully before choosing a quality product that will make your feathered friends feel full and satisfied. Keep your birdseed fresh and clean in an airtight container between fill-ups.

Just Add Water

All birds need access to clean water, so create an inviting watering station! By adding this important part of their diet, you'll discover that not only can they quench their thirst but also use it as an opportunity to get cleaned up — after all, nobody likes a dirty bird! Remember to keep refreshment stations nice and fresh by changing out the water on a regular basis to avoid bacteria. Roughly every other time you change the water, it's also best to scrub your bird bath to keep it fresh.

Now, Get Ready to Enjoy

Creating the ultimate backyard bird paradise requires a bit of effort, but it's worth carefully selecting your spot and supplies. Setting up feeders with different types of food will attract an amazing variety of birds — then you can sit back and bask in nature's glory for years!

For a list of birds native to our area, visit pwconserve.org/ wildlife/birds/lists/backyard.

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Easter Egg Hunts

Sat. Apr. 1 | 10 am. to 12 noon

Manassas Park Community Center

99 Adams Street, Manassas Park

(Ages 0-7) Bring your baskets and get ready to fill them with hidden eggs and treats! Parents- don’t forget to bring your camera because you will have an opportunity to take pictures with our favorite bunny! You’ll have good family fun playing games and making crafts. Be on the lookout for a golden egg. The finder of the golden egg will exchange it for a special prize basket! Ages 0-3 – 10 a.m.; Ages 4-5 - 10:45 a.m., Ages 6-711:30 a.m.

Rippon Lodge Easter Egg Trail

Sat. Apr. 1 | 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site

15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

It’s April Fool’s Day! The Easter Bunny made his fun activity trail for your enjoyment, but also hid some special eggs for the 275th anniversary of Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Look for hidden objects, do physical tasks, tell a joke, and more as you walk to receive your eggs. Family members may join in the fun! Keep an eye out for those special prize eggs. Advance registration required at pwcparks.org/historicprograms.

Manassas 150th Birthday Celebration

Sat. Apr. 1 | 2 to 8 p.m.

Jennie Dean Park

9501 Dean Park Lane, Manassas

Be part of history! Celebrate the 150th birthday of the City's establishment in 1873 with a party you won't forget! There will be live music from local bands, hayrides, food, games for the kids, exhibits, a 3 p.m. ceremony – plus another Manassas tradition – fireworks!

Peep Week in Occoquan

Tues. Apr. 4 through Sat. Apr. 8

Historic Occoquan

Stroll through historic Occoquan and vote for your favorite PEEPS® dioramas, made by and displayed at Occoquan businesses! Cast your vote and enter to win a Peep basket of goodies. The community is invited to participate in the 5th Annual Community Peep Contest by designing, creating, and submitting family friendly Peep dioramas. Winners will receive gift certificates to use around Occoquan.

First Friday: Hop Around Downtown!

Fri. Apr. 7 | 6 to 9 p.m.

Historic Downtown Manassas Streets are closed to traffic and open for pedestrians so visitors can casually stroll through downtown. Restaurants offer specialty foods and drinks, and shops stay open later than normal.

Manassas Farmers Market

Sat. Apr. 8, 15, 22, 29 | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prince William Street Commuter Lot

9024 Prince William St., Manassas

The Saturday year-round market was voted one of the best in the area by Prince William Living magazine! With 100+ vendors, shoppers can choose fresh produce, flowers, foods, and a variety of local goodies. Weather permitting, live bands play. Come and check it out! But remember, no pets allowed at the market.

Frostbite Scramble

Tues. Apr. 11 | 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Stonewall Golf Club

15601 Turtle Point Drive, Gainesville

The annual scramble is a great way to kickstart your golf season! Chamber members and friends can challenge each other in a 9-hole Captain’s Choice golf tournament. With only 3 clubs and a putter, golfers team up to have fun and possibly win in one of the first golf outings of the season! This provides an opportunity to network on the golf course and compete to see who can make the longest drive or closest to the pin, among other competitive opportunities. Register here: princewilliamchamberofcommerce. growthzoneapp.com /ap/Events/Register/ nLvG6mJr

Books on Tap @ Brew Republic Bierwerks

Tues. Apr. 11 | 7 to 8:30 p.m. Brew Republic Bierwerks

15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge (Virtual Option available)

This month’s book is Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. Email jrader@pwcgov.org or call 703-792-8330 for WebEx invitation.

Park Day at Bristoe Station Heritage Battlefield Heritage

Park

Sat. Apr. 15 | 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Bristoe Station Heritage Battlefield Park 10708 Bristow Road, Bristow

Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and the American Battlefield Trust for Park Day 2023 for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Station Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries, and trail maintenance throughout the 140acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves, and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Meet in the parking lot off Iron Brigade Avenue. Please no pets.

Earth Day Flower Starter Take-and-Make

Mon. Apr. 17 through Sat. Apr. 22 Dumfries Library

18115 Triangle Shopping Plaza, Dumfries

Celebrate Earth Day by picking up a soil starter cup and flower seed packet. It's the perfect addition, or start, to a native flower garden at your home. The soil starter cup kit will include soil in a cup, a packet of seeds, and instructions on how to plant your seeds and take care of them until they bud and are replanted.

Financial Glee: Rescue Your Retirement

Fri. Apr. 21 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Haymarket Gainesville Library

14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket

Learn how individuals and business owners can overcome stock market losses, high inflation, tax increases, and recent law changes to get retirement savings back on track quickly and dependably for free.

History Walk on the Boardwalk

Sat. Apr. 22 | 9 to 10 a.m.

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge

Learn history along the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. This history walk explores how people affected this natural creek over the centuries. The group will meet at the Rippon Landing Parking Lot on Blackburn Road under the picnic shelter. Leashed pets are welcome to join, but not all parts of the hike are accessible for wheelchairs. Space is limited. Guests should wear sunscreen and bug spray and should bring bottled water.

Kite Festival

Sat. Apr. 22 | 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Signal Hill Park

9300 Signal View Drive, Manassas Park

Everyone’s invited to the annual kite festival at Signal Hill Park! April is National Kite Month, so unwind your string, bring your kite, and let it fly! You may purchase a kite at the event for $5, while supplies last.

KPWB Fix-It Fair

Sat. Apr. 22 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

House of Mercy

8150 Flannery Court, Manassas

Give your items a second chance – bring them to the Fix-It Fair Event hosted by Keep Prince William Beautiful and House of Mercy. Acceptable items for repairs are small/large appliances, jewelry, clothing, bicycles, and small furniture. Be sure to register for your repair session: signupgenius.com/ go/10c094ba9a72aa0f4c70-fixitfair?mc_ cid=7043a179d6&mc_eid=c0ec21a8e0#/

Ben Lomond Farm Day

Sat. Apr. 22 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site

10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas

Ben Lomond was once a thriving farm home to cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. Activities will include sheep shearing, cooking, planting, historical demonstrations, children’s crafts, and more.

Spring Festival on Central Green

Sat. Apr. 22 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Central Library

8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas

Come explore Central Library's outdoor space, Central Green, and celebrate spring and Earth Day. Enjoy a variety of nature and conservation activities, explore a pollinator garden, and enjoy the story trail. Central Green was made possible with support from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, Environmental Fund and Dominion Energy, Environmental Education and Stewardship grant.

Equality Prince William Pride

Sun. Apr. 23 | 12 to 4 p.m.

Harris Pavilion

9201 Center Street, Manassas

Celebrate pride and diversity in the Greater Prince William County area to include the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. Friends, families, and neighbors are invited to come out, enjoy music (DJ and live), vendors, and kids’ activities.

Historic Preservation Lecture Series: Mosby's War on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad

Thur. Apr. 27 | 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Old Manassas Courthouse

9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas

Mosby's Rangers constantly targeted the Orange & Alexandria Railroad during the Civil War and attempted to damage the Federal war effort. Historian Eric Buckland will share Mosby’s attempts to disrupt the railroad and the measures taken to stop him.

13th Anniversary Gala

Fri. Apr. 28 | 6 p.m.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas

The 13th Anniversary Gala provides critical funding to support the Hylton Center’s many performances, arts education programs, and outreach initiatives. An elegant reception, dinner on the Merchant Hall stage, a tribute to our honorees, and an exciting After Party with music and dancing. For information and tickets visit HyltonCenter.org/give/anniversary-gala.

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