Attract Wildlife by Feeding Birds

One great first step for attracting new wildlife to your yard is to attract birds with corn feed. And many people find feeding birds to be a rewarding hobby in itself. But whether you are trying to attract other animals or if the presence of birds is what you’re after, here are a few tips for persuading some winged friends to check out your area.

Feeding Birds

First of all, consider how each type of bird likes to feed. For instance, some birds like using feeders that are up in a tree or on a stand, whereas other birds prefer to eat feed corn on the ground.

Many birds from the towhee species and different kinds of sparrows will typically avoid landing on an elevated feeder. If you would like to attract these species, try spreading some corn feed out on the ground where you want to see them. You can also use a large surface like a picnic table or large hopper feeder for the more adventurous ground feeding birds.

A large hopper feeder will attract larger birds like doves and grackles. A hopper feeder has walls and a roof that form a “hopper” that helps protect the seed from the weather. Otherwise, it is a small, flat surface that larger birds and other ground feeders can feed from.

Using a large tube feeder is good for feeding smaller birds like finches, while discouraging the larger grackles and jays. The glass or plastic tube and roof will keep the corn feed mostly dry, and there are different sizes of feeding ports and perches—all depending on what types of birds that you’re hoping to attract.

Atmosphere: Attracting Specific Birds

 Overall, birds are animals like any other, and they have basic needs that have to be met in order for them to stick around a location and use it as a habitat. You’ll need to do some research on whatever type of bird that you’re seeking to lure into your area. In order to attract them and keep them close, you’ll need to provide an attractive habitat, complete with corn feed and shelter. This will require a bit of landscaping (or scouting out a new area) in addition to setting out food.

For instance, if you’d like to attract Indiana’s state bird, the Cardinal, keep in mind that they are ground feeders. If you have a large enough surface, they will also feed on flat surfaces. A picnic table or a large hopper would work fine in attracting them as well as keeping them near. They don’t like using nest boxes, but fruit-bearing shrubs with vines are ideal for persuading Cardinals to stick around.

As you can see, it’s not too difficult, but it may take some time and creativity to design your own backyard bird sanctuary. Couple these tips with some corn feed from Daily Family Farms, and you’ll be ready to start feeding birds!