Backyard Birds Of Pacific Northwest

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Post on Feb 28, 2025

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Backyard Birds of the Pacific Northwest: A Birder's Guide

The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests, diverse wetlands, and sprawling urban areas, offers a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching, right in your own backyard! From vibrant hummingbirds to majestic eagles, the region boasts a rich avian tapestry. This guide will help you identify some of the most common and captivating backyard birds of the Pacific Northwest, providing tips for attracting them to your garden.

Common Backyard Birds of the Pacific Northwest

Identifying the birds that visit your backyard is a rewarding experience. Here are some of the most frequent feathered visitors:

1. Anna's Hummingbird ( Calypte anna)

Easily recognizable by its iridescent crimson throat and green back, the Anna's Hummingbird is a year-round resident in many parts of the PNW. They are attracted to brightly colored flowers and hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water. Pro-tip: Consider planting native flowers like fuchsia and salal to provide a natural food source.

2. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

These small woodpeckers are common sights at backyard bird feeders, particularly those offering sunflower seeds and suet. Look for their distinctive black and white plumage and small size. They're often seen flitting around trees, searching for insects. Pro-Tip: Provide a variety of feeder types to attract different species.

3. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

Larger than the Downy Woodpecker, the Northern Flicker is characterized by its mottled brown and black plumage, a prominent black crescent on its chest, and a noticeable white rump patch visible in flight. They are ground feeders and enjoy foraging for ants. Pro-Tip: Leave a patch of your lawn unmowed to attract insects.

4. Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)

A striking bird with a vibrant blue crest and black bib, the Steller's Jay is a common sight in coniferous forests and suburban areas. They are intelligent and bold, often raiding bird feeders. Pro-Tip: Use robust feeders designed to deter larger birds or consider offering peanuts in the shell.

5. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

A classic symbol of spring, the American Robin is a year-round resident in many parts of the Pacific Northwest. Look for its reddish-brown breast, and gray back. They frequently forage on lawns for worms and insects. Pro-Tip: A well-maintained lawn will provide a good hunting ground for robins.

6. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

These small finches have a reddish face and breast (males are brighter than females), and are frequent visitors to bird feeders stocked with seeds. They're sociable birds and often seen in flocks. Pro-Tip: Offer Nyjer seed in a specialized feeder.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly backyard requires careful planning. Here are some key strategies:

• Provide food sources: Offer a variety of bird feeders with different types of seeds, suet, and nuts. Consider a hummingbird feeder as well.
• Install a birdbath: Birds need a reliable source of fresh water for drinking and bathing.
• Plant native vegetation: Native plants provide food (berries, seeds, insects), shelter, and nesting sites.
• Offer shelter: Add shrubs, trees, and brush piles to provide protection from predators and harsh weather.
• Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm birds and their food sources.
• Keep your cat indoors: Cats are a major threat to bird populations.

Beyond the Basics: Rare and Uncommon Pacific Northwest Backyard Birds

While the birds listed above are frequently seen, you might be lucky enough to spot some rarer visitors, such as:

• Rufous Hummingbird: A smaller, more brightly colored hummingbird that breeds in the Pacific Northwest.
• Spotted Owl: Though elusive, their calls may be heard in forested areas.
• Bald Eagle: These majestic birds are sometimes seen near large bodies of water.

Remember to consult local field guides and online resources for more information on identifying specific birds in your region. Happy birding!

Off-Page SEO Considerations:

To further boost this article's ranking, consider the following off-page SEO strategies:

• Guest blogging: Contribute articles about Pacific Northwest birds to relevant websites.
• Social media engagement: Share the article on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, using relevant hashtags (#PNWbirds, #backyardbirds, etc.).
• Link building: Reach out to other relevant websites and blogs in the birding and nature niche and request links back to your article.
• Local SEO: Target local searches by mentioning specific locations in the Pacific Northwest where these birds are common.

By implementing these on-page and off-page SEO techniques, your article will have a significantly better chance of ranking well in Google search results and attracting a wide audience of bird enthusiasts.