New Jersey Backyard Birds

mnccertified

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 24, 2025

25 visitor like this post

Share

New Jersey Backyard Birds: A Complete Guide to Attracting and Identifying Feathered Friends

New Jersey boasts a vibrant avian population, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned ornithologist or a curious beginner, attracting and identifying backyard birds in the Garden State offers a rewarding and enriching experience. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to transform your backyard into a thriving bird sanctuary.

Identifying Common New Jersey Backyard Birds

New Jersey's diverse habitats support a wide array of bird species. Here are some common visitors you can expect to see:

Common Backyard Birds:

• Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): This iconic bird, with its vibrant red plumage (males) and distinctive crest, is a year-round resident and a frequent visitor to backyard feeders. They readily consume sunflower seeds and cracked corn.

• American Robin (Turdus migratorius): Another familiar sight, the American Robin's cheerful song announces the arrival of spring. They forage on lawns for earthworms and will visit fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.

• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): While not native, House Sparrows are abundant in urban and suburban areas. They're adaptable and will readily visit feeders, consuming various seeds.

• Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): This small woodpecker is a common sight, drilling into trees for insects and visiting suet feeders.

Less Common, But Still Possible Sightings:

• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata): With its striking blue, white, and black plumage, the Blue Jay is a boisterous and intelligent bird. They're attracted to sunflower seeds and peanuts.

• Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura): Recognizable by its soft cooing and long tail, the Mourning Dove frequents ground feeders and enjoys seeds.

• Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus): These tiny, active birds are a delightful addition to any backyard. They're attracted to sunflower seeds and suet.

• Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus): This large woodpecker is known for its striking black and gold markings. They forage on the ground for ants and may visit suet feeders.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard in New Jersey

Attracting birds to your backyard requires providing the necessary resources:

Food Sources:

• Seed Feeders: Offer a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds (black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite), nyjer seeds, and cracked corn.

• Suet Feeders: Suet is a high-energy food source, particularly beneficial during colder months.

• Fruit: Consider planting fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, such as crabapples, serviceberries, and viburnum.

• Water Source: Provide a clean water source, such as a birdbath or shallow dish. Keep it clean and refreshed regularly.

Shelter and Nesting Sites:

• Trees and Shrubs: Native plants provide crucial shelter and nesting sites. Consider planting native evergreens for winter cover.

• Birdhouses: Offer a variety of birdhouses appropriate for different species. Clean them regularly.

• Brush Piles: Leave areas of undisturbed brush piles to provide shelter for birds.

Protecting Birds from Predators:

• Cats: Keep cats indoors to prevent them from hunting birds.

• Windows: Use window decals or other methods to prevent window collisions.

Resources for New Jersey Birders

Several resources can enhance your birding experience in New Jersey:

• New Jersey Audubon: This organization offers valuable information on bird identification, conservation, and birdwatching events throughout the state. Their website is a goldmine of information.

• Local Bird Clubs: Joining a local bird club provides opportunities to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, learn from experienced birders, and participate in bird walks and other activities.

By following these tips and utilizing available resources, you can transform your New Jersey backyard into a vibrant haven for birds, enriching your own life and contributing to the preservation of these incredible creatures. Remember to research specific species common to your region for best results. Happy birding!