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You know thatmeme about birdwatchinghow the older you get, the more interesting birds become?
Courtesy of brands/Laneen Wells
Well, its true, at least in our experience.
(Anyone else have an oddly specific birdseed budget?)
With each passing day, those little winged creatures seem to become more fascinating and awe-inspiring.
SELFs own editor in chiefrecently took up birdingas her new self-care hobbyand you cant argue with the boss.
So…ready to play host to a ruby-throated hummingbird or a black-capped chickadee?
She recommends water baths over feeders because all birds need water and not all birds come to feeders.
Placement is also key, Rodomsky-Bish says.
(And be sure to wear gloves while cleaning and wash your hands afterward toprotect yourself from H5N1.)
Its shallow basin and grippy imitation stone material make it another bird-friendly option.
Skaithee
Metal Bird Feeder
With your water feature in place, its time to consider feeder options.
With its cute petal awning, this model also offers some protection against rain.
(Because no one likes soggy suet!)
In addition to cardinals, jays, blackbirds, and titmice gravitate toward a hopper-style feeder.
Just like birdbaths, bird feeders can harbor harmful pathogens.
Rinse it off, get the bird poop off, and check that all the seeds are out.
Kaytee
Wild Bird Black Oil Sunflower Food (5-lb.)
However, she adds that smaller species, like some kinds of finches, may prefernyjer seedsinstead.
Aspects
HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder (12-oz.)
Rodomsky-Bish cautions that hummingbird feeders are the most high-maintenance.
Hummingbirds dont eat seedsinstead, they thrive off of a sugar solution.
Instead, opt for aclear solutionor make your own by mixing one part sugar and four parts water.
Lowes
Multicolor Fuchsia Hanging Basket (1.5-gal.)
In the northeast, where Rodomsky-Bish lives, coral honeysuckles are a good native option.
On the West Coast, bee balms and columbine provide the flower power youll want.
(After all, that bird spreadsheet you created isnt going to fill itself out!)
This cute (yet rugged!)
is a fave of SELFs bird-loving editor in chief.
This means avoiding what ornithologists call ecological traps.
Pantin also recommends turning off unnecessary lights at night to further avoid collisions.
A few additional safety notes: Keep your cats indoors, Pantin says.
And when it comes to your surroundings, Pantin says doing less can actually do more (a.k.a.
you have permission to be a little lazy with your yardwork).
And with that, happy bird-watching!
