I miss my birds!!!!!

15 years ago

We have recently moved (about 5 weeks ago) to a 2+ acre property with lots of mature trees, (lots of bushes, black walnut trees, many types of pine trees, ash and the far rear corner of the property has some scrubby woods). I have seen woodpeckers, and chickadees and can hear many other birds, way up in the treetops (majority of the trees are about 70 feet tall). At my old house, I had about 30 varieties of birds that would regularly visit my feeders, and I am finding myself missing them terribly!!!! I spent many wonderful days sitting in my chair near the window that overlooked my feeding station, especially during the winter. Ahhhh..happy memories. I bought this property because it seemed like such a wonderful place for the birds, but I am having difficulty drawing them out of the treetops down to the feeding stations that I have set up around the yard. Is it because there is an abundance of insects right now and they have no interest in the seed? I am feeding BOSS, safflower, suet and a nuts and berry mix. No junk food.

I know the birds are there, I can hear them...but if they stay so high up, I can't see them, and I really enjoy watching them.

Ideas or thoughts?

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Comments (6)

User
15 years ago
Water ... give them a couple of bird baths or a shallow fountain and they will come to it.

Think out the underbrush a bit and plant shrubs that have berries and seeds that birds like.

You probably have ground-foraging species too. But watching them in the wild means learning where they are likely to be hanging out.
orrin_h
15 years ago
If you don't already have them, consider getting binoculars. They needn't be expensive, and would greatly increase your enjoyment of those tree-top birds. Some of those are no doubt warblers, some of the loveliest little birds, and your seed feeders most likely won't interest them (although suet might, as well as the aforementioned water features).

-O-
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jiggreen
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the responses :)

I have a few birdbaths scattered around the yard, but haven't seen any birds using them yet. I purchased a small fountain kit, but it's been sitting in it's box. TODAY is the day I will put it together and set it up in a clearer area of the yard. :) Perhaps the trickle will attract the birds' attention.

I have hope, a little while ago, I noticed a couple of chickadees and a tufted titmouse eating from one of my feeding stations. I'm hoping that their interest and chirps will draw more birds in. :)
alan_la
15 years ago
Rome wasn't built in a day. be patient.give them nurishment, and they wil come.
greenheron
15 years ago
I think that the moving water is the best idea. You might also try some mirrors at different angles. Sometimes the shinniness will get their attention. Sometimes, spreading seed over quite a large area will do the trick. Some people do not like to do this, but it may help--get recordings and play them at ground level. Also, try a variety of foods. Work hard at migration.
terrene
15 years ago
Jiggreen, have you seen more birds in your yard lately? How did your fountain work out?

The birds love the big trees in my yard, but I used to have a much more heavily wooded lot and had trees removed on 2 occasions which resulted in more of an open woodland. Tree work is expensive but it enabled me to grow a few veggies and bigger gardens. Understory trees and shrubs do well in a woodland setting and many of these make berries and fruits for the birds, such as Dogwoods, Elderberries, or Crabapples. The more sun they get the more they will flower of course.

The birds seem very attracted to a mix of vegetation. Some birds like the grassy areas too (no chemicals of course with a bit of clover and crabgrass) where they forage for seeds or ants or whatever.

I miss my birds!!!!!

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I miss my birds!!!!!

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orrin_h

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