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  • The Best Bird Feeder Setup for Small Yards (Backyard Birding for Busy Families)

    The Best Bird Feeder Setup for Small Yards (Backyard Birding for Busy Families)

    Attracting birds doesn’t require acres of forest or a sprawling garden. Even the smallest yard or a patio, can become a thriving bird oasis with the right feeder setup. For busy families, simplicity is everything. The goal is to bring in the most birds with the least maintenance, mess, and clutter.

    Here’s how to build a compact, efficient, and bird-friendly feeding station perfect for small spaces.

    1. Start With a Single, High-Impact Feeder

    If space is tight, choose one feeder that does the most work for you. The best all around option:

    ⭐ A Tube Feeder With Metal Ports

    • Attracts a wide variety of birds: goldfinches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and cardinals (if it has a bottom tray).
    • Metal feeding ports prevent squirrels and sparrows from chewing it apart.
    • Easy to clean and refill, critical for families with limited time.

    Best seed for small yards:

    Black oil sunflower seed! It attracts the greatest diversity without needing multiple seed types.

    2. Add Just One Supplemental Feeder for Extra Diversity

    If you have room for one more, choose based on your birding goals:

    Option A: A Suet Feeder

    Perfect for: downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches

    Why it’s great for small yards:

    • Tiny footprint
    • High-energy food
    • Pairs beautifully with a tube feeder

    Option B: A Small Platform Feeder

    Perfect for: cardinals, mourning doves, blue jays, sparrows

    Why it’s great:

    • Great for ground feeding species
    • Easy for kids to watch birds up close
    • Works well on a deck railing

    Pick whichever adds the species you want most.

    3. Use a Single Feeder Pole With Multi-Hooks

    Instead of scattering feeders around the yard:

    Use one pole with 2–3 hooks.

    It keeps everything:

    • Compact
    • Tidy
    • Easy to maintain
    • Protected from predators (more visibility)

    Even very small yards or condos can fit a feeder pole as long as you have a patch of soil or a weighted base.

    Tip: Hang the tube feeder at the highest hook, suet or platform feeder lower, and a water dish at the bottom.

    4. Add a Mini Bird Bath. The Secret Weapon!

    Water attracts twice as many birds as feeders alone, especially in summer.

    For small yards:

    • Choose a shallow dish or deck-mounted mini bath
    • Change the water every 1–2 days
    • Add a dripper or pebble edge to draw birds in

    A small bird bath often brings species you’ll never see at feeders—like warblers, thrushes, and cedar waxwings.

    5. Use Mess-Reducing Mixes to Keep Your Yard Clean

    Small yards get messy fast, so choose seed that minimizes buildup:

    • Shelled sunflower chips (no hulls)
    • Safflower (less appealing to squirrels)
    • “No waste” mixes

    You’ll sweep less, and fewer dropped seeds means fewer unwanted guests.

    6. Choose a Strategic Location

    Even the best feeders won’t attract much if they’re placed poorly. In a small yard:

    Put your feeder station:

    • 5–10 feet from shrubs or a tree for quick cover
    • In clear view of a window you use often
    • Where squirrels can’t jump onto it
    • Not directly over a walkway or play area (to avoid mess)

    If you only have a patio, choose a deck clamp railing pole or hang feeders from a bracket.

    7. Keep It “Busy-Parent Friendly” With a Cleaning Routine That Actually Works

    Dirty feeders can spread disease, but cleaning doesn’t need to be complicated.

    Do this:

    • Quick clean: Rinse feeders with hot water once a week
    • Deep clean: 10-minute soak in a 1:10 bleach solution every 2–3 weeks
    • Refresh water baths: Every 48 hours

    Using fewer feeders (but better ones!) keeps this manageable.

    Simple Setup Blueprint (Copy This!)

    If you want the exact setup that works beautifully for small yards, here it is:

    1. One tube feeder with black oil sunflower

    2. One suet feeder or small platform feeder

    3. One multi-hook pole

    4. One mini bird bath

    5. Mess-free seed mix

    6. Weekly rinse, biweekly deep clean

    This combination attracts a surprising variety of birds while keeping your yard clean, safe, and family friendly.

  • The #1 Mistake Most People Make With Bird Baths (and How to Fix It)

    The #1 Mistake Most People Make With Bird Baths (and How to Fix It)

    If your bird bath isn’t attracting as many birds as you hoped or if the water turns slimy faster than you can clean it you’re not alone. Most backyard bird lovers run into the same exact issue, and it can completely ruin how effective a bird bath is.

    So what’s the #1 mistake?

    👉 Not changing the water often enough.

    It sounds simple, but fresh water is the number one factor birds look for when choosing a safe place to drink and bathe. Even the nicest, most expensive bird bath won’t attract birds if the water is stagnant.

    The good news? This is one of the easiest bird bath mistakes to fix.

    Why Stagnant Water Drives Birds Away

    Birds rely on baths not just for hydration, but for preening, removing dust, parasites, and dirt.

    But they’re picky. Birds instinctively avoid:

    • Water with algae
    • Mosquito larvae
    • Bird droppings
    • Cloudy or foul smelling water
    • Water deeper than 1–2 inches

    If the water looks neglected, birds assume it’s unsafe.

    How Often Should You Change Bird Bath Water?

    Ideally: every 1–2 days in summer and every 2–3 days in cooler months.

    If you live in a hot, sunny area, daily changes might work best.

    You don’t need chemicals just dump the water, give a quick scrub, and refill.

    How to Fix the Problem Fast

    Here are simple steps to turn any neglected bird bath into a bird magnet:

    1. Refresh the Water Frequently

    This alone solves 90% of problems.

    Tip: Fill your bath in the morning when birds are most active.

    2. Scrub Once a Week

    Use:

    • A stiff brush (one dedicated to bird baths)
    • A 9:1 water-to-vinegar solution

    Avoid bleach unless you’re doing a deep clean. Rinse thoroughly if you do.

    3. Keep the Water Shallow

    Most birds prefer 1–2 inches of water.

    Add stones, pebbles, or upside down saucers to give smaller birds a place to perch.

    4. Move Your Bird Bath Out of Direct Sun

    This slows algae growth and keeps water cooler.

    5. Add Moving Water

    Birds can hear moving water from a distance, and moving water stays fresh longer.

    Easy add-ons:

    • Solar fountain
    • Dripper
    • Water wigglers

    Why Clean Water Matters for Bird Health

    Dirty bird baths can spread:

    • Avian pox
    • Salmonella
    • Trichomoniasis

    By keeping your bath clean, you’re helping keep local bird populations healthy and encouraging more species to visit.

    Bonus: How to Make Cleaning Even Easier

    • Choose non-porous materials like resin or glazed ceramic.
    • Place the bath near a hose for quick rinsing.
    • Consider a heated bird bath in winter to prevent ice from forming.

    Final Thoughts

    The best way to attract more birds isn’t fancy equipment it’s fresh, clean water.

    By simply refreshing your bird bath regularly, you’ll notice:

    ✔ More species

    ✔ More bird activity

    ✔ Longer stays

    ✔ Safer, healthier backyard birds

  • Natural Bird Bath Setups for a Forest Friendly Backyard

    Natural Bird Bath Setups for a Forest Friendly Backyard

    If you love the idea of attracting birds while keeping your yard as wild and natural as possible, a natural style bird bath is the perfect addition to your backyard habitat. Instead of concrete pedestals or brightly colored bowls, natural bird baths blend beautifully into forested landscapes and help mimic the water sources birds instinctively trust.

    These setups are simple, eco-friendly, inexpensive and incredibly effective at attracting a wide variety of species.

    Why Natural Bird Baths Attract More Birds

    In the wild, birds drink from shallow puddles, creek edges, tree hollows, and rain filled depressions. When your backyard offers the same kind of water source, birds recognize it instantly as safe and familiar.

    Natural bird baths also provide:

    • Better camouflage
    • Textures birds can grip
    • Varied water depth
    • A more organic, forest floor look

    Natural Bird Bath Ideas (+ Recommended Products)

    1. Stone Basin Bird Bath (Simple + Wildlife-Friendly)

    A naturally shallow stone is one of the closest replicas of a real woodland water source.

    What you need:

    • A flat stone or bird bath bowl with a natural finish
    • Pebbles or river stones

    Recommended products:

    • Natural Stone Look Shallow Bird Bath

    Perfect for ground placement or atop a stump.

    Find one HERE!

    • Polished River Stones (for varying depth)

    Great for small birds and a natural look.

    Find stones HERE!

    2. Tree-Stump Bird Bath

    You can create a charming woodland bath by setting a shallow dish on top of a stump.

    Recommended natural dishes:

    • Clay/Terracotta Saucer (12–14”)

    Completely blends in with the forest floor.

    • Glazed Ceramic Shallow Bowl

    Easy to clean and looks earthy.

    If you have a rotting stump, you can carve a natural basin directly into the wood. Add pebbles for texture.

    3. Ground-Level “Forest Puddle”

    This setup attracts thrushes, sparrows, towhees, and other ground loving forest birds.

    Optional add-ons:

    • Sand for lining the basin

    Creates grip and helps the water settle.

    • Flat Slate Stones

    Use to create shallow stepping spots.

    Find slate stones HERE!

    4. Log-and-Stone Bird Bath

    For a slightly elevated but still natural look, rest a flat basin or stone plate on two logs.

    Recommended basin:

    • Stone-Look Resin Bird Bath Bowl

    Lightweight but looks like real rock.

    • Natural Slate Serving Stone (repurposed as a bath)

    Works beautifully in rustic setups.

    5. Add Moving Water (Bird Magnet Upgrade)

    Adding motion makes a huge difference—and keeps the water fresher.

    Recommended drippers/fountains:

    • Solar-Powered Fountain Pump

    Works in shallow basins, no wiring needed.

    Find my favorite HERE!

      Creates gentle movement that birds can hear.

      6. Surround with Native Plants

      Native plants complete the forest microhabitat.

      Easy-to-grow natives (Great Lakes region):

      • Red-osier dogwood
      • Serviceberry
      • Spicebush
      • Woodland ferns
      • Native sedges

      7. Make It Safe for Birds

      Even natural looking baths require basic care:

      • Keep water 1–2 inches deep
      • Change water every 1–2 days in warm weather
      • Scrub with vinegar + water weekly
      • Place near, but not inside, dense cover

      Recommended cleaning tools:

      • Stiff Bird Bath Scrub Brush

      Non-metal, safe for all materials.

      • Eco-Friendly White Vinegar

      A natural cleaner that won’t harm wildlife.

      Final Thoughts

      A natural bird bath doesn’t just look beautiful, it helps transform your yard into a forest friendly refuge. Whether you choose a stone dish, a stump bath, or a ground level puddle, the small effort you put in gives birds essential access to clean water.

      And with a few natural materials (and the right accessories), your backyard can become a thriving woodland oasis that birds love year round.

      Check out my Bird Baths 101 article to learn even more!

    • The Brightest Yellow Birds in the Great Lakes

      The Brightest Yellow Birds in the Great Lakes

      Your guide to eye catching yellow songbirds you can spot in backyards, forests, and along the lakeshore.

      Birding in the Great Lakes region comes with one big perk: some of the most vibrant yellow birds in North America migrate through or live here year round. Whether you’re exploring a forest trail or watching feeders from your kitchen window, these species are some of the easiest to spot and the most rewarding to photograph.

      Below are the standout yellow birds you’re likely to see in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Ontario.

      1. American Goldfinch

      Where to see them: Backyards, weedy fields, meadows

      When: Year round in most Great Lakes states

      Why they’re so bright: Males turn brilliant sunflower yellow during summer.

      Tips:

      • Offer Nyjer (thistle) seed in tube feeders
      • Plant coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and native thistles
      • Look for their bouncy flight pattern

      2. Yellow Warbler

      Where to see them: Wetlands, shrubby edges, riversides

      When: April–September

      ID Notes: Entirely bright yellow with rusty streaks on the chest (males).

      Photography tip: Early morning light brings out the warm golden tones perfectly.

      3. Prothonotary Warbler

      Where to see them: Swampy woods, flooded forests, slow moving streams

      When: May–August

      Why they’re special: A glowing lemon yellow head and chest almost tropical looking.

      Great Lakes hotspots: Northern Ohio marshes, southern Michigan, western Lake Erie shoreline.

      4. Common Yellowthroat

      Where to see them: Marshes, cattail stands, wet thickets

      When: April–October

      ID Notes: Males have a bold black mask with a bright yellow throat.

      Listen for: The “witchety-witchety-witchety!” call.

      5. Baltimore Oriole (Females)

      Where to see them: Backyards, forest edges, parks

      When: May–August

      Color: Females range from golden-yellow to deep orange.

      Attract them with:

      • Grape jelly
      • Orange halves
      • Sugar water in oriole feeders

      6. Pine Warbler

      Where to see them: Pine forests, mixed woodlands

      When: Migration and breeding season depending on state

      Color: Warm yellow with olive tones and white wingbars.

      Fun fact: One of the few warblers that regularly visits feeders.

      7. Yellow-throated Vireo

      Where to see them: Mature woodlands

      When: May–September

      ID Notes: Bright yellow “spectacles” around the eyes and throat.

      Behavior: Slow, deliberate forager and easy to spot once you get your eye trained.

      8. Scarlet Tanager (Females)

      Where to see them: Tall deciduous forests

      When: May–September

      Color: Olive yellow body with dark wings. Easy to confuse for a warbler.

      Tip: Look high in the canopy; they love staying hidden.

      9. Cape May Warbler

      Where to see them: Spruce trees, pine forests, migration stopovers

      When: Mostly during migration

      Color: Yellow throat and face with chestnut cheek patch.

      Great Lakes migration windows:

      • Spring: May
      • Fall: Late August–September

      10. Wilson’s Warbler

      Where to see them: Shrubby edges, thickets, cedar swamps

      When: Spring & fall migration

      Color: Bright yellow with a black cap (males).

      Why photographers love them: They tend to forage low, making eye level shots easier.

      Tips for Finding Yellow Birds in the Great Lakes

      • Visit wetland edges early in the morning for warbler activity.
      • Scan treetops during May for migrating species.
      • Offer native plants and a clean bird bath. I talk everything bird baths HERE.
      • Learn calls using Merlin or Audubon apps. Sound helps you find hidden birds fast.

      Photography Tips for Yellow Birds

      • Shoot during golden hour for richer tones.
      • Use backlighting to make yellow feathers glow.
      • Keep shutter speeds high becausewarblers don’t sit still!
    • Is Bread Bad for Birds? The Truth About Feeding Ducks and Songbirds

      Is Bread Bad for Birds? The Truth About Feeding Ducks and Songbirds

      Feeding birds is one of the simplest ways to connect with nature whether it’s tossing crumbs to ducks at the park or sprinkling bits of bread in your backyard. But while it feels kind, feeding bread to birds can actually be harmful.

      Here’s why bread isn’t good for ducks, swans, or songbirds and what you can give them instead to keep them healthy and wild.

      🥖 Why Bread Isn’t Good for Birds

      Bread fills birds up quickly, but it doesn’t provide the nutrition they need. White and processed breads are mostly carbohydrates with little protein or essential nutrients.

      When birds eat too much bread, they can suffer from:

      • Malnutrition: They may look full but lack vital nutrients.
      • Weakened feathers and immune systems: Making migration and survival harder.
      • Dependency on human food: Birds may stop foraging naturally.

      Bread is like junk food for birds. Tasty but unhealthy.

      ⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Bread

      Feeding bread creates bigger environmental problems than most people realize:

      1. “Angel Wing” in Waterfowl: Young ducks and geese that eat too much bread can develop a deformity called angel wing, which prevents them from flying.
      2. Water Pollution: Uneaten bread molds, grows bacteria, and fuels algae blooms that harm fish and other wildlife.
      3. Disease and Overcrowding: Regular feeding spots attract too many birds, spreading illness and creating unsafe, dirty environments.
      4. Pests and Rodents: Leftover bread draws rats and raccoons, which disrupt local ecosystems.

      Feeding bread doesn’t just hurt individual birds but it can unbalance entire habitats.

      🌾 What to Feed Birds Instead of Bread

      If you love feeding birds, here are safe and nutritious alternatives:

      • Black oil sunflower seeds: High in protein and energy for songbirds.
      • Cracked corn or millet: Great for ducks, sparrows, and doves.
      • Oats, barley, or cooked rice: Easy to digest and nutritious.
      • Mealworms: A protein packed favorite for bluebirds and chickadees.
      • Thawed frozen peas or corn: Perfect for feeding ducks safely.
      • Fruit pieces: Try grapes, apple slices, or chopped berries.

      These foods mimic what birds naturally eat, providing real nutrition without the downsides of bread.

      💚 Responsible Bird Feeding

      Feeding birds can be a beautiful way to connect with wildlife if done responsibly.

      • Offer healthy, natural foods.
      • Avoid processed human foods like bread, chips, or crackers.
      • Keep feeders clean to prevent disease.
      • Feed in moderation to avoid dependence.

      If you visit a local pond, bring birdseed or thawed peas instead of bread. Your small action helps keep birds wild and ecosystems balanced.

      🌿 The Bottom Line

      So, is bread bad for birds? Yes and now you know why. Bread might seem harmless, but it can lead to malnutrition, disease, and environmental damage. By choosing healthier alternatives and spreading awareness, you’re helping protect birds across Michigan and beyond.

      If you’ve fed bread before, don’t feel bad, most people simply don’t know. That’s why I write these articles. To educate and to inform about the best ways to care for birds and wildlife.

    • 10 Warblers You Can See in the Great Lakes Region (and How to Identify Them)

      10 Warblers You Can See in the Great Lakes Region (and How to Identify Them)

      Each spring and summer, the forests, wetlands, and shorelines of the Great Lakes region burst into song as colorful warblers arrive from their southern wintering grounds. These tiny, restless birds can be challenging to spot, but learning their markings, songs, and favorite habitats makes every sight rewarding.

      Whether you’re exploring a lakeside trail or watching from your backyard, here are 10 warblers you can see in the Great Lakes region and tips to help you identify each one.

      1. Yellow Warbler

      How to identify: Bright lemon-yellow plumage with subtle chestnut streaks on the chest.

      Where to find them: Shrubby wetlands, stream edges, and willow thickets.

      Listen for: A cheerful “sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m so sweet!” song.

      2. American Redstart

      How to identify: Black (or gray in females) with bright orange patches on the wings and tail.

      Where to find them: Deciduous forests and wooded backyards.

      Behavior tip: They often fan their tails to flush insects.

      3. Black-and-white Warbler

      How to identify: Striking black-and-white stripes, like a tiny zebra.

      Where to find them: Tree trunks and branches. This warbler creeps along bark like a nuthatch.

      Listen for: A thin, squeaky song like a wheel turning: wee-see, wee-see, wee-see.

      4. Common Yellowthroat

      How to identify: Males wear a black “bandit” mask; females are plain yellow and olive.

      Where to find them: Marshes, wet meadows, and brushy fields.

      Listen for: The bouncy “witchety-witchety-witchety” call.

      5. Magnolia Warbler

      How to identify: Yellow chest with bold black streaks, white wing bars, and a gray back.

      Where to find them: Coniferous forests and mixed woods during migration.

      Fun fact: Despite the name, they don’t nest near magnolias, they were first spotted in one!

      6. Chestnut-sided Warbler

      How to identify: White underside with a chestnut stripe down the sides and a yellow crown.

      Where to find them: Regenerating clearings and young forests.

      Listen for: “Pleased, pleased, pleased to meetcha!”

      7. Blackburnian Warbler

      How to identify: A fiery orange throat that glows in the canopy.

      Where to find them: High in mature coniferous forests, often near hemlocks or spruces.

      Pro tip: Look for them during migration when they forage lower.

      8. Palm Warbler

      How to identify: Brownish-olive above, yellow below, with a rusty cap and tail-wagging habit.

      Where to find them: Open areas with scattered trees, especially during migration.

      Behavior tip: That constant tail-bob gives them away.

      9. Yellow-rumped Warbler

      How to identify: Blue-gray back, yellow patches on the rump, sides, and crown.

      Where to find them: Very adaptable. Seen in woods, parks, and backyards.

      Fun fact: One of the few warblers that can digest waxy berries, allowing it to stay farther north in winter.

      10. Black-throated Green Warbler

      How to identify: Olive-green back, yellow face, and a bold black throat.

      Where to find them: Coniferous and mixed forests, especially near lakes and streams.

      Listen for: “Trees, trees, whispering trees.”

      Final Tips for Spotting Warblers

      • Go early: Morning light and activity are best for sightings.
      • Listen first: Learn a few key songs. They’ll guide your eyes.
      • Stay patient: Warblers move fast, but pausing quietly often brings them into view.
      • Bring binoculars: A lightweight pair helps you catch those fleeting colors.

      Want to read about 10 more birds you can see in this area? Click here to read.

    • What Downy Woodpeckers Love: Feeders, Foods, and Nesting Tips

      What Downy Woodpeckers Love: Feeders, Foods, and Nesting Tips

      If you’ve ever noticed a tiny black and white bird tapping away on your trees or hanging upside down from your suet feeder, chances are you’ve met a Downy Woodpecker! They’re the smallest woodpeckers in North America, but they make a big impression with their bold markings, cheerful energy, and gentle drumming that echoes through backyards and woodlots alike.

      Downy Woodpeckers are remarkably adaptable. You can find them year round across most of the continent working over tree trunks in quiet forests or flitting between suet feeders and maples in suburban yards. Once they discover a reliable food source, they often return day after day, bringing a sense of rhythm and life even to the snowiest winter morning.

      So what exactly do these little woodpeckers love most, and how can you make your yard a place they want to call home?

      Feeding the Downy Woodpecker

      When it comes to feeding, Downy Woodpeckers aren’t picky but they do have favorites. Suet is at the top of their list. Made from rendered animal fat, suet provides the high energy they need, especially during cold months. A simple suet cage works fine, but if you want to make them especially comfortable, choose one with a tail prop a flat board that extends below the feeder to support their balance.

      You’ll also attract them with black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms. Peanuts, especially unsalted and shelled, give them protein rich energy, while dried or live mealworms mimic their natural insect diet.

      When setting up feeders, place them near trees or shrubs. Downies feel safest when they can dart to nearby cover if startled, and they’ll visit more confidently when their feeding area mimics their natural woodland environment.

      Check out my post on The Best Bird Feeders For Your Yard.

      Creating a Natural Habitat

      Feeders are just one part of attracting woodpeckers. A truly inviting yard feels like their natural habitat rich in trees, insects, and safe shelter.

      If you have a dead tree or branch that’s not a safety hazard, consider leaving it standing. These “snags” are gold for woodpeckers, full of insects and larvae beneath the bark, and perfect for drumming and nesting.

      Native trees and shrubs like oak, birch, and dogwood host a variety of insects that Downy Woodpeckers depend on. Avoiding pesticides is just as important. Chemical sprays might eliminate garden pests, but they also destroy the very insects these birds rely on for food.

      A Place to Drink and Bathe

      While we usually think of Downy Woodpeckers as bark drillers and suet lovers, they also enjoy water. A clean, shallow bird bath can attract them especially one with a gentle dripper or small fountain. The sound of moving water piques their curiosity and draws them down from nearby branches.

      Place your bird bath near a tree or shrub where they can perch between visits, and keep it clean year-round to prevent algae buildup.

      Wonder which bird bath is best? Read my article on Bird Baths 101.

      Nesting and Shelter

      When spring arrives, Downy Woodpeckers start searching for nesting sites. In the wild, they excavate their own cavities in dead or decaying trees a process that can take weeks of persistent drilling. You can encourage nesting by leaving a few dead limbs in safe trees or by installing a woodpecker nest box designed for Downies.

      For best results, choose a box with a 1¼-inch entrance hole, and mount it 6–20 feet high on a tree trunk in a quiet, semi shaded area. With a bit of luck, you might see a pair claim it as their home, returning year after year to raise their young.

      Want my recommendation for a nesting box? Click Here.

      Keeping Them Safe

      Once Downy Woodpeckers visit your yard, you’ll want to keep them safe. Keep cats indoors, move feeders away from windows, and use anti collision decals to prevent accidents. Avoid glue traps and chemical sprays outdoors as they can harm both birds and the insects they depend on.

      A Joyful Backyard Companion

      There’s something comforting about the steady tap of a Downy Woodpecker on a cold morning. They bring energy and life to even the quietest corners of the yard, reminding us that nature is always close by.

      By offering nutritious food, natural shelter, clean water, and a safe space to nest, you’ll not only attract these charming little drummers but you’ll help them thrive. Once a Downy finds your yard, it often becomes a familiar visitor, returning each day with soft calls and a rhythmic tap that feels like part of the landscape itself.

    • How to Help Birds Survive Winter: Simple Things You Can Do in Your Own Backyard

      How to Help Birds Survive Winter: Simple Things You Can Do in Your Own Backyard

      Winter can be a tough season for our backyard birds. As snow covers the ground and natural food becomes scarce, many species rely on a little extra support from kind humans to make it through. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert or have a huge yard to make a difference. With just a few simple steps, you can turn your backyard into a cold weather haven for birds and get to enjoy their cheerful presence all winter long.

      Here are some practical, low effort ways to help birds survive winter right where you are.

      1. 

      Keep Feeders Full And Choose the Right Food

      In winter, calories are life. High-fat, high protein foods like black oil sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, and nyjer seed are excellent fuel for birds in the cold.

      Tip: Place feeders near shrubs or trees to give birds quick shelter from predators and wind.

      Don’t worry if you’re not a “feeder expert” even one reliable feeder can make a big impact.

      2. 

      Offer Water (Yes, Even When It’s Freezing)

      Water can be harder to find than food in winter. A heated birdbath is a game changer. Birds will come not just to drink but also to preen, which is essential for keeping their feathers insulated and waterproof.

      Budget-friendly tip: You can also use a simple heated dog bowl or add warm water to a regular birdbath throughout the day.

      3. 

      Provide Shelter from the Wind and Snow

      Birds need places to hunker down in harsh weather. Shrubs, brush piles, evergreens, and even roosting boxes can offer safe hiding spots.

      Try this: After trimming bushes or your Christmas tree, pile the branches in a corner of your yard for a natural shelter.

      4. 

      Don’t Deadhead Everything in the Fall

      Leaving seed heads on native flowers like coneflowers, goldenrod, and sunflowers provide winter snacks for finches, chickadees, and sparrows.

      Bonus: Those dried stalks also house overwintering insects extra protein for birds like wrens and woodpeckers come spring.

      5. 

      Limit Pesticides and Let the Leaf Litter Be

      Even in winter, birds forage for insects and larvae under leaves and bark. By skipping chemicals and letting parts of your yard stay a little “wild,” you’re keeping their food sources intact.

      6. 

      Keep Your Feeders Clean

      It’s easy to forget, but moldy seed or dirty feeders can spread disease, especially when birds are flocking to limited resources.

      Quick habit: Give your feeders a rinse every couple of weeks with a diluted vinegar solution (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water if needed), and dry them thoroughly.

      Final Thoughts: Your Backyard Can Be a Lifeline

      Winter bird care isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about showing up with small acts of kindness. The chickadees, juncos, woodpeckers, and cardinals that brighten your yard will thank you in their own way: with songs, color, and resilience through the snow.

      So go ahead hang that feeder, leave the leaf pile, and keep that birdbath from freezing. You’re making a real difference.

    • 6 Backyard Bird Myths Debunked

      6 Backyard Bird Myths Debunked

      Backyard birding is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to connect with nature. But with so many stories, tips, and “rules” floating around, it can be hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. Today, let’s set the record straight by debunking some of the most common backyard bird myths.

      Myth #1: If you touch a baby bird, its parents will abandon it

      The truth: Most birds have a poor sense of smell. Parents don’t recognize their chicks by scent, but by sight and sound. If you find a young bird on the ground, it’s usually a fledgling learning to fly, not abandoned. Unless it’s injured or in danger, the best thing you can do is leave it be. The parents are usually nearby, keeping watch.

      Myth #2: Birds will become dependent on feeders and stop migrating

      The truth: Bird feeders are a supplement, not a replacement, for natural food. Migration is an instinct driven by daylight and weather, not by whether your feeder is full. Birds that rely heavily on seasonal food sources (like insects or nectar) will still migrate whether you feed them or not. Feeders just provide an extra boost, especially during harsh weather.

      Myth #3: All bread is safe for birds

      The truth: Bread fills birds up without giving them the nutrition they need. In fact, too much bread can lead to malnutrition and health problems. Instead, offer healthy options like sunflower seeds, suet, mealworms, or fruit. Your feathered visitors will thank you!

      Myth #4: Brightly colored birdhouses attract more birds

      The truth: Birds don’t choose houses based on color—they care about size, safety, and placement. A flashy birdhouse in the wrong spot will go unused, while a simple, well-placed wooden box could be bustling with activity. Location and proper design matter more than aesthetics.

      Myth #5: Hummingbirds hitch rides on the backs of geese during migration

      The truth: This charming tale has been told for generations, but it’s pure myth. Hummingbirds are strong, independent flyers capable of traveling hundreds of miles on their own. In fact, some species cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight!

      Myth #6: Once you start feeding birds, you can never stop

      The truth: It’s okay to take a break. Birds do not become dependent on one person’s feeder. They naturally forage and will find other food sources if your feeder is empty. That said, if you feed regularly in the winter, consistency is helpful since food is scarcer.

      Final Thoughts

      Backyard birding is full of joy, discovery, and yes plenty of myths. By understanding the facts, we can better support our feathered friends while enjoying their company. Whether you’re filling a feeder, planting native shrubs, or simply watching from your window, remember: a little knowledge goes a long way in creating a safe, bird-friendly backyard.

      ✨ What’s the wildest bird myth you’ve ever heard? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories!

    • How to Start Bird Watching: A Simple Guide from My Backyard to Yours

      How to Start Bird Watching: A Simple Guide from My Backyard to Yours

      I didn’t set out to become a birder. It started with curiosity watching a little black-capped chickadee flit around the backyard feeder one morning while I was sipping coffee. I didn’t know its name at the time. All I knew was that it made me pause. And that was enough to open the door.

      If you’ve ever stopped what you were doing to notice a bird singing outside your window or followed a flash of red through the trees, congratulations you’ve already started birdwatching! The rest is just practice, presence, and a little patience.

      Here’s a simple guide to help you begin, no matter where you are.

      🌳 1. Start Where You Are

      You don’t need fancy gear or a nature preserve to start birding. Your backyard, porch, balcony, or even your window is enough. Birds are everywhere, especially in the Great Lakes region, where we’re lucky to have such rich birdlife through all four seasons.

      Just take 10 minutes in the morning or evening to watch and listen. That’s it. Birding is about slowing down and noticing what’s already around you.

      🔍 2. Get to Know a Few Common Birds

      Start small. Pick 3 to 5 birds you see often and learn their names, colors, and calls. In my yard, it was the cardinal, chickadee, and bluebird. The more you learn about them, the easier it becomes to notice new ones.

      You can use a simple bird guide or free apps like:

      • Merlin Bird ID – for easy photo or sound identification
      • eBird – to track your sightings and see what others are spotting nearby

      You can read my Top 10 Birds To See In Michigan to help you start recognizing common species.

      🍽️ 3. Offer a Little Hospitality

      Putting out a bird feeder is a great way to bring them closer. Start with a basic feeder and black oil sunflower seeds, most birds love them. You’ll likely see cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and finches within days.

      Later, you can add a suet feeder in winter or a hummingbird feeder in summer. Native plants are even better because they feed birds and insects naturally and help the whole ecosystem.

      Not sure what feeder is best for your yard? Take a look at my article on The 5 Best Bird Feeders For Your Yard to help determine which is best for you!

      📓 4. Keep a Bird Journal

      One of my favorite parts of birding is writing things down. Keep a little notebook or print out a birding journal page. Jot down:

      • What birds you saw
      • What they were doing
      • What the weather was like
      • How it made you feel

      It’s such a peaceful practice especially if you’re out with kids. They love pointing out birds, drawing them, and giving them nicknames.

      📸 5. Bring Your Camera (or Don’t)

      As a photographer, I always have the urge to grab my camera. But some days, I leave it behind on purpose. Birding doesn’t have to be about capturing the perfect shot it’s about connecting with the moment. And that stillness is something I’ve grown to love deeply.

      That said, photographing birds has helped me learn even more about their behavior, and it’s deeply rewarding. If you’re into photography too, start by practicing with common birds right near home. You don’t need a big lens just a lot of quiet observation.

      💚 6. Stay Curious

      The more time you spend watching birds, the more they’ll teach you about patience, seasons, migration, and what it means to truly belong to a place. I believe birding helps us care more, not just about wildlife, but about the forests, the lakes, and our own backyards.

      So if you’re wondering how to start birdwatching, the answer is simple: just look up. You’re already on your way.