New York Backyard Birds

mnccertified

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 08, 2025

23 visitor like this post

Share

New York Backyard Birds: A Complete Guide to Attracting Feathered Friends

New York State boasts a diverse array of bird species, many of which can be readily observed—and even attracted—to your backyard. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, creating a bird-friendly haven offers a rewarding connection with nature. This comprehensive guide will help you identify common New York backyard birds, understand their needs, and learn how to create an inviting space to attract them.

Identifying Common Backyard Birds in New York

New York's diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of avian visitors. Here are some of the most common birds you're likely to spot:

Year-Round Residents:

• Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis): Easily recognized by its vibrant red plumage (males) and distinctive crest. They're frequent visitors to feeders, preferring sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
• Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens): The smallest woodpecker in eastern North America, this species is a common sight, flitting about trees in search of insects. Suet feeders are a big draw.
• American Robin (Turdus migratorius): A familiar sight throughout the state, robins are ground-foraging birds that appreciate earthworms and berries.
• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata): Known for their intelligence and boisterous calls, blue jays are attracted to a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, and suet.
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): While a non-native species, house sparrows are extremely common in urban and suburban areas, readily visiting bird feeders.

Migratory Visitors:

• American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis): These brightly colored birds arrive in New York in spring and summer, their cheerful songs adding to the ambiance. Nyjer seed feeders are a must for attracting them.
• Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula): These striking black and orange birds are summer visitors, often visiting feeders with orange slices or grape jelly.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula): A tiny but energetic bird, the ruby-crowned kinglet breeds in New York's forests and is often seen foraging amongst trees.
• Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus): These small, active birds are year-round residents in many areas but are more commonly seen in larger numbers during migration. Sunflower seeds are a favorite.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard in New York

Attracting birds to your backyard requires providing the essentials: food, water, shelter, and nesting sites.

1. Providing Food:

• Bird feeders: Offer a variety of feeders to cater to different bird species' preferences. Consider feeders for sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, and cracked corn.
• Natural food sources: Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce berries and seeds. Consider viburnum, serviceberry, and sunflowers.

2. Providing Water:

• Bird bath: A shallow dish of fresh water is crucial, especially during hot weather. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the spread of disease.
• Drippers or misters: These add movement and sound, attracting birds to the water source.

3. Providing Shelter:

• Trees and shrubs: Dense evergreens provide excellent shelter from predators and harsh weather.
• Brush piles: Leave a small area with natural debris to offer cover for birds seeking shelter.

4. Providing Nesting Sites:

• Birdhouses: Install birdhouses of varying sizes to accommodate different species. Research appropriate house sizes for the birds you wish to attract.
• Natural nesting sites: Avoid excessive pruning that could remove potential nesting sites in trees and shrubs.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques for Birdwatching in New York

• Join a local birdwatching group: Connect with experienced birders, learn about local hotspots, and share your observations.
• Keep a birdwatching journal: Record your sightings, noting dates, locations, and species. This will help track changes in bird populations over time.
• Use binoculars: Enhance your birdwatching experience with a good pair of binoculars to observe birds up close.
• Learn bird songs and calls: Identifying birds by their vocalizations adds another dimension to your birdwatching efforts.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your New York backyard into a vibrant haven for a diverse range of feathered friends, bringing joy and wonder to your daily life. Remember that responsible birdwatching practices are essential to preserving these beautiful creatures and their habitats. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of New York's backyard birds!