Backyard Birds Pacific Northwest

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Post on Jan 06, 2025

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Backyard Birds of the Pacific Northwest: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pacific Northwest, with its lush forests, diverse habitats, and abundant waterways, is a haven for birdwatchers. From the vibrant Anna's Hummingbird to the majestic Bald Eagle, a surprising variety of avian species call this region home. This guide will help you identify common backyard birds in the Pacific Northwest, attract them to your garden, and contribute to citizen science efforts.

Common Backyard Birds in the Pacific Northwest

Identifying the birds visiting your backyard is the first step to appreciating their beauty and understanding their needs. Here are some frequently spotted species:

Small Birds:

• Anna's Hummingbird ( Calypte anna): Easily recognized by its iridescent green back and reddish-pink throat, the Anna's Hummingbird is a year-round resident. They're attracted to brightly colored flowers and hummingbird feeders.
• Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus): A migratory species, the Rufous Hummingbird boasts a fiery orange-red throat and is known for its aggressive behavior. They arrive in spring and depart in the fall.
• Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): This small woodpecker is a common sight, pecking away at trees and bird feeders. They are easily identifiable by their black and white markings and small size.
• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus): Larger than the Downy Woodpecker, the Northern Flicker has a distinctive spotted back and a reddish nape. They forage on the ground for ants.
• House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus): A reddish-brown bird with streaked brown wings, the House Finch is a frequent visitor to bird feeders. Males have brighter coloration than females.
• Junco (Junco hyemalis): These dark-colored birds are common winter residents, often foraging on the ground for seeds. Different subspecies vary in coloration.

Larger Birds:

• Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri): Known for their striking blue plumage and boisterous calls, Steller's Jays are frequent visitors to bird feeders, though they can be quite bold.
• American Robin (Turdus migratorius): A familiar sight across North America, the American Robin is a common resident in the Pacific Northwest, nesting in trees and shrubs.
• Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): Males are easily recognized by their vibrant red plumage, while females are a more subdued brown. They are common in wooded areas and gardens. (Note: Their range is expanding northwards, becoming more common in some parts of the PNW).
• Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): Though not always a backyard bird, Bald Eagles can be seen soaring overhead or perched in tall trees near waterways. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Creating a bird-friendly backyard requires providing food, water, and shelter.

• Food: Offer a variety of birdseed mixes, suet, and nuts in feeders. Consider planting native plants that produce berries and seeds.
• Water: Provide a birdbath or shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing. Keep the water clean and fresh.
• Shelter: Plant shrubs and trees to provide cover and nesting sites. Leave some leaf litter on the ground for ground-foraging birds.

Citizen Science and Bird Conservation

Participating in citizen science projects helps researchers track bird populations and understand their habitat needs. Consider contributing to projects like:

• eBird: A collaborative online platform where birdwatchers record their sightings.
• Christmas Bird Count: An annual bird count that provides valuable data on bird populations.

By understanding the birds of your backyard and participating in conservation efforts, you can contribute to the preservation of these beautiful creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.

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