Seattle Backyard Birds

mnccertified

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Feb 26, 2025

22 visitor like this post

Share

Seattle Backyard Birds: A Comprehensive Guide to Attracting Feathered Friends

Seattle's lush greenery and diverse ecosystems make it a haven for a variety of bird species. Attracting these feathered friends to your backyard can bring immense joy and contribute to local biodiversity. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about identifying common Seattle backyard birds, creating a bird-friendly habitat, and providing the right food and water sources.

Identifying Common Seattle Backyard Birds

Seattle boasts a rich avian population, with species varying depending on the season and location. Here are some common birds you might spot in your Seattle backyard:

Year-Round Residents:

• Anna's Hummingbird: Easily identifiable by its iridescent throat and aggressive nature at feeders. These tiny dynamos are a year-round delight.
• Downy Woodpecker: This small woodpecker is a frequent visitor, pecking away at trees and enjoying suet.
• House Finch: A common sight, these birds display vibrant red coloring in males.
• Northern Flicker: A larger woodpecker with a distinctive spotted back and a preference for ants.
• American Robin: A familiar sight throughout the year, known for its cheerful song.

Seasonal Visitors:

• Rufous Hummingbird: A summer visitor known for its fiery orange throat.
• Black-capped Chickadee: These tiny but energetic birds are a delight to watch throughout the year, but particularly plentiful in the winter.
• Steller's Jay: A large, boisterous bird with a striking blue crest. Often seen in the fall and winter months.
• Pacific Wren: A small, secretive bird, their presence is often revealed by their distinctive song.

Pro-Tip: Using a field guide or a bird identification app (like Merlin Bird ID) will greatly assist in identifying the various species you encounter. Learning their songs is another crucial element of bird identification.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard in Seattle

Transforming your backyard into a bird sanctuary requires thoughtful planning and execution. Here's how to make it happen:

Providing Food Sources:

• Seed Feeders: Offer a variety of seeds, catering to different bird preferences. Black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice.
• Suet Feeders: High in fat and calories, suet is particularly beneficial during colder months.
• Nectar Feeders: Essential for hummingbirds, clean feeders and fresh nectar solutions are crucial.
• Fruit: Consider planting berry bushes that provide natural food sources.

Offering Water Sources:

• Bird Baths: Provide a shallow dish of fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing.
• Dripping Water: The sound of dripping water can attract birds from a distance.

Providing Shelter and Nesting Sites:

• Trees and Shrubs: Native plants offer shelter, nesting sites, and food sources. Consider planting Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, or Salal.
• Brush Piles: Create a brush pile in a corner of your yard to provide shelter for birds.
• Birdhouses: Install birdhouses of varying sizes to attract different species. Research appropriate house sizes for different birds.

Important Note: Regularly clean feeders and bird baths to prevent the spread of disease.

Beyond Your Backyard: Contributing to Seattle's Bird Population

Your efforts extend beyond your own property. Support local conservation efforts by advocating for bird-friendly urban planning and participating in citizen science projects like bird counts.

Keywords: Seattle backyard birds, attract birds Seattle, bird identification Seattle, bird feeding Seattle, bird habitats Seattle, Seattle bird watching, best bird feeders Seattle, Seattle bird species, hummingbirds Seattle, woodpeckers Seattle, create bird friendly garden Seattle, native plants for birds Seattle.

By following these tips, you can transform your Seattle backyard into a vibrant hub of avian activity, contributing to the rich biodiversity of our beautiful city. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of these feathered visitors!