FLORIDA — There are many birds that you can enjoy right in your own backyard and neighborhood. There are a few simple things you can do to increase the number and variety of birds that visit your area.
Interestingly, some animals can survive and live in close proximity to developed areas. You’ll find squirrels, possums, and raccoons living in our largest cities, for example.
Other wild animals cannot coexist with humans as we change what was a suitable wild habitat into a developed neighborhood, town, or city.
Many bird species can do well around our home grounds if provided with the right conditions.
To encourage birds around your home, provide them with food, water, and some kind of cover.
Some birds, such as cardinals, finches, and sparrows, are seed eaters and will eat things like cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. Other birds are fruit eaters and eat things like raisins, chopped fruit, and apples. These birds include jays, mockingbirds, orioles, and robins.
Most bird experts suggest that when feeding birds, it’s better to provide the food in containers rather than broadcast the food on the ground. Food that stays on the ground is easily contaminated.
Also, when many birds are feeding in the same area, there is the danger that diseases could spread among the bird families. Always place the bird food in clean containers. Also, birds that are busy eating food from the ground are easier targets for nearby cats.
You also need a source of water for your birds. This can be a simple, inexpensive birdbath made from a trashcan lid or something fancier. The important thing is that the water is fresh and clean.
Providing cover for visiting birds is another consideration. The cover can be made available by the use of native plants, or it may be a birdhouse.
Plant covers have the advantages of providing food as well as cover. Many bird experts suggest when using birdhouses, limit the number to three or four per acre. Some territorial birds don’t like another family near them. For nesting purposes, keep the house somewhat out of sight.
There are many native plants that attract birds. Oaks attract woodpeckers, blue jays, and brown thrashers. Holly, dogwood, and sumac will attract many kinds of birds, including cardinals, robins, bluebirds, and mockingbirds.
Sunflowers are another good plant to include because at least 46 bird species use sunflower seeds. Red cedar attracts birds of many species. There are many other native plants to consider.
For additional information on attracting birds, contact your local Audubon Society or visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_Wildlife, a UF/IFAS Extension website with a wealth of publications on Florida wildlife.
Larry Williams is the Extension Horticulture Agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@myokaloosa.com.
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