If you’re a Fells Point renter, you may be questioning how to make your yard more bird-friendly. After all, most landlords won’t be thrilled if you start changing the landscaping without approval. You can take some easy steps to attract more birds to your yard! Let’s look at the best ways to make your rental home’s yard more hospitable for birds. Read on for sound advice on bringing more birds into your life!
What a Bird Wants
One of the best ways to attract birds to your yard is by understanding what birds are looking for and including that in your yard. For example, birds are attracted to shady areas that offer lots of places to perch. One more thing, they are also attracted to areas with plentiful food sources. So a great place to start is putting out some bird feeders and filling them with bird seed. Bird seed is a little bit inexpensive, and you can easily find them at most pet stores or online. If you want to get more creative, you can make your own bird feeders from recycled materials. Just be sure to research and buy the right kind of bird seed for your local bird population. It’s also important to keep the bird feeders clean, so be sure to empty and wash them regularly.
Attracting Hummingbirds
One of the most stunning and fascinating types of birds is the hummingbird. There are a few things you can do to attract them. First, plant some flowers that hummingbirds love, such as bee balm or trumpet vine. You will also be able to put out a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water. An easy recipe for hummingbird water is to mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. Be sure to change the sugar water every few days and clean the feeder regularly. Try not to use hummingbird food with red dye – it’s not good for them! Also, avoid using pesticides in your yard, as they can harm hummingbirds.
Add a Water Source
One other way to attract birds is by feeding them with water. Birds need water for drinking and bathing, so installing a birdbath is a great way to attract them to your yard. Birds love to splash around to cool off on warm summer days, which gives you more than enough time to enjoy their antics. You can buy a pre-fabricated birdbath in a wide variety of styles and materials at most hardware stores or online. Or, you could also make a simple birdbath out of a large plastic container. Just make sure you place the birdbath in a shady spot and clean it regularly to reduce mosquitos and keep the water fresh.
Introduce Native Plants
To appeal to local birds, you should try planting native plants in your yard. Native plants are those that are naturally found in your area, and they provide natural sources of food and shelter for birds. If you plan to plant in the yard, just be sure to ask your Fells Point property manager first. If they say no, it’s not the end – you can always get creative with some inexpensive planter boxes and pots. By planting native plants in your yard, you’ll attract birds and provide a valuable resource for them. You can find native plants at most nurseries or online.
Add Places to Nest
Finally, you can make your yard more bird-friendly by creating nesting sites. Birds need places to build their nests, so you can help them by providing nesting boxes or birdhouses. You can buy nesting boxes at most hardware stores or make your own out of recycled materials. A great thing about nesting boxes is that some birds will return every year to nest so you can enjoy them again and again! No matter what type of nesting site you decide, just remember to place the nesting boxes in a shady spot and clean them regularly (between nesting seasons) to keep the birds safe.
Following these tips, you can easily make your yard more bird-friendly and attract more birds to your home. Get started today and enjoy the beauty of birds in your own backyard!
If you’re looking for a new rental home where you can create a bird paradise, browse our listings online to see the options in your area.
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