Backyard Birds Of Oklahoma

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Post on Jan 27, 2025

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Backyard Birds of Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide for Birdwatchers

Oklahoma, with its diverse landscapes ranging from prairies and forests to mountains and rivers, boasts a vibrant avian population. Attracting and identifying backyard birds in Oklahoma can be a rewarding hobby for both seasoned birdwatchers and enthusiastic beginners. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the common species you might encounter, how to attract them to your yard, and resources to further your birding journey.

Common Backyard Birds in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's diverse habitats support a wide array of bird species. Here are some of the most frequently sighted backyard birds:

Common Species:

• Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): This vibrant red bird is a year-round resident and a true Oklahoma icon. Males are a striking crimson, while females are a more subdued reddish-brown. They are frequent visitors to feeders, particularly enjoying sunflower seeds.

• American Robin (Turdus migratorius): Another familiar sight, the American Robin is known for its cheerful song and reddish-brown breast. They are ground feeders, often foraging for worms and insects in lawns.

• House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus): These small, colorful finches are common at backyard feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds and nyjer seed. Males have a reddish face and breast.

• Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): The smallest woodpecker in Oklahoma, the Downy Woodpecker is a frequent visitor to suet feeders and trees with insect infestations.

• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata): Known for their intelligence and boisterous calls, Blue Jays are a striking presence in Oklahoma backyards. They are opportunistic feeders and will readily visit feeders offering nuts and seeds.

• Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura): These gentle doves are common sights in backyards, often seen on the ground foraging for seeds. They are readily identified by their soft cooing call.

Less Common but Still Possible Sightings:

• Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum): This large, brown bird with a long tail is a master of mimicry, capable of imitating a variety of other bird songs.

• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus): A larger woodpecker, often seen on the ground foraging for ants.

• Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus): A tiny, energetic bird that is a regular visitor to feeders, particularly those offering sunflower seeds and suet.

Attracting Birds to Your Oklahoma Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly environment is key to attracting a diverse range of species. Here are some effective strategies:

• Provide Food Sources: Offer a variety of feeders with different types of seeds (sunflower, nyjer, millet), suet, and fruit. Consider hummingbird feeders during migration seasons.

• Install a Birdbath: A clean water source is essential, especially during hot and dry periods.

• Plant Native Shrubs and Trees: Native plants provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources (berries, insects). Consider species like oak, dogwood, and serviceberry.

• Offer Shelter: Provide dense shrubs and trees for birds to hide and nest in. Avoid excessive lawn mowing, allowing some areas to grow taller.

• Keep Cats Indoors: Cats are significant predators of birds. Keeping them indoors will drastically reduce bird mortality in your backyard.

Resources for Oklahoma Birdwatchers

Numerous resources can aid your Oklahoma birding adventures:

• Oklahoma Ornithological Society: Join this organization to connect with other bird enthusiasts and access valuable resources.

• Audubon Society: The National Audubon Society offers comprehensive information on bird identification, conservation, and citizen science projects.

• eBird: This online platform allows you to record your bird sightings, contributing to important scientific data. It's a great way to track the birds you see in your backyard and compare your observations with others in Oklahoma.

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By following these tips and utilizing available resources, you can transform your Oklahoma backyard into a vibrant avian sanctuary, enriching your life with the beauty and wonder of these fascinating creatures. Remember to practice responsible birding and always respect wildlife.