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Attracting Backyard Birds:
Is There Another Way?

Patience is mandatory for attracting backyard birds, anyone who has put out a bird feeder knows the waiting game well. There is another way too and that is with bird houses

Natural Gourd Birdhouses

and if the patience of the ordinary mortal is tried with bird feeders, then Job's (from the old testament) long standing quality will be needed here. But there are many redeeming experiences ahead for those who persist.

The house you put up this year may sit vacant for a year or two. But wild birds return to the same area to build their bird nests each year. Just because they turned your housing offer down this year, doesn't mean they will continue to reject your real estate in future nesting seasons.

Any significant change in your yard will cause them to be cautious. So make changes gradually. It may take them a couple of seasons to become accustomed to a new bird house in your yard.

The best time to put up a bird house is anytime, since the birds need time to acquaint themselves with the new object. If you want to give the more daring a chance for the upcoming season, put it out before the birds return from their migration.

If after two years your bird house is not attracting backyard birds you might consider a couple of things. Is the bird house itself functional and appropriate for the type of bird you are expecting? For example, if the hole is too large Chickadees and Nuthatches will not use it.

Try changing the location. It may be too close to your bird feeders, other bird houses, or you!

A great wild bird look-out spot!

As well, a bird house must be cleaned out every year. Most cavity nesters will not use a house that has leftovers from the previous year.

Some people have tried a bird house/feeder combo, big mistake! Think of it this way. You would not want all the people who live on your street sitting down at your table for every meal. It would be a huge invasion of your personal space. You might not feel safe depending on who showed up. You would also be concerned that there would not be enough for your own family.

This is my birdhouse!

Many people only think of putting out bird feeders for attracting backyard birds to their yards. They often miss out on some very special moments by limiting themselves this way.

Of course there are many birds that do not use man made bird homes. They prefer to build their nest on a tree branch, bush or other more open spots. Therefore bird feeders may be the only avenue to attracting backyard birds who do not nest in cavities. (Or you could put up roosting boxes!)

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