Category: Backyard Birding Tips

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.

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!

If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird hover at your feeder, you know how magical these tiny birds can be. Providing a reliable food source not only helps attract them to your yard but also gives you the joy of seeing their daily visits up close. The good news? Making homemade hummingbird nectar is simple, safe, and only requires two ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

In this post, I’ll share the best hummingbird nectar recipe, why it works, and some important tips for keeping your feeders healthy and safe.

Why Make Homemade Hummingbird Nectar?

While store bought nectar is convenient, homemade is:

• More affordable – just sugar and water!
• Safer – no dyes or additives.
• Quick to prepare – less than 10 minutes.

Hummingbirds thrive on natural flower nectar, which is made up mostly of sucrose (sugar). The recipe below mimics that natural sugar concentration perfectly.

Easy Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 cups water

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Fill your clean hummingbird feeder.
5. Store leftover nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Important Nectar Tips

• ❌ No honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners. These can harm hummingbirds.
• ❌ No red food dye! Feeders are usually red already, and dyes aren’t safe.
• ✅ Clean feeders often, every 2–3 days in hot weather and once a week in cooler weather to prevent mold or harmful bacteria.
• ✅ Use the 4:1 ratio (4 parts water to 1 part sugar). This best matches the sugar content in natural flower nectar.

Final Thoughts

Making your own hummingbird nectar is one of the simplest ways to attract these tiny pollinators to your yard. With just a little sugar and water, you’ll create a safe and reliable food source and enjoy the reward of watching hummingbirds zip, hover, and sparkle right outside your window.

If you love watching birds in your backyard, there’s one simple addition that can make your space irresistible to them and it’s not a feeder. A bird bath can attract twice as many species, especially during hot or dry seasons. Even birds that don’t typically visit feeders will stop by for a sip or a splash.

But not all bird baths are created equal and no one wants to constantly scrub algae or dump mosquito filled water. That’s why choosing the right bird bath matters, not just for the birds, but for your sanity.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes a bird bath effective and easy to maintain, and I’ll share my favorite low maintenance options you can add to your yard today.

🐦 Why Birds Need Water and Why a Bird Bath Works

Birds don’t just bathe for fun although it is fun to watch! Bathing keeps their feathers in top condition by loosening dirt, making it easier to preen and remove parasites. They also need clean water to drink, especially during summer heat and in winter when natural sources may freeze.

Adding a bird bath to your yard helps support local wildlife while giving you an incredible front row seat to bird behavior. Even birds that avoid feeders like robins, wrens, and warblers will often visit a clean water source.

🧠 What to Look for in a Great Bird Bath

Before buying a bird bath, keep these features in mind:

• Shallow Basin: Birds prefer 1–2 inches of water. Deeper water can be dangerous, especially for smaller species.
• Textured or Sloped Surface: Slippery surfaces are tough for birds to grip. Look for gently sloped basins with textured or natural materials.
• Easy to Clean: Avoid porous concrete or rough stone that holds onto algae and bacteria.
• Stable or Anchored: Wobbly bird baths can scare birds away or tip over.
• Proper Placement: Place your bird bath in a partially shaded area near shrubs or trees (but not too close for predators to hide).

🪣 Low Maintenance Bird Bath Recommendations

These options combine form, function, and ease of cleaning perfect for busy bird lovers. All of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no cost to you.

1. Pedestal Bird Bath

👉 Find It Here

This classic pedestal bath is made of durable resin that’s both lightweight and weather-resistant. It resists algae buildup, and the smooth interior wipes clean in seconds. The hollow base can be filled with sand or gravel for extra stability.

Why it’s great:

• Lightweight but sturdy
• Affordable
• Easy to dump and clean
• Decorative design fits most gardens

🪞 

2. Hanging Bird Bath

👉 Find It Here

This hanging bath is a shallow basin and is perfect for small birds and is incredibly easy to rinse and refill. The hanger gives you more options in where you can place it in your yard.

Why it’s great:

• Higher and away from predators
• Perfect depth for safety
• Very easy to clean and refill

 

3. Deck-Mount Bird Bath

👉 Find It Here

This bird bath mounts directly to your deck railing, keeping it elevated and stable. If you live in an apartment and don’t have a yard this deck mount is a must get.

Why it’s great:

• Perfect for aparments
• No need to bend or lift to clean
• Great for decks or small yards as well

🧼 Quick Tips to Keep Your Bird Bath Clean (Without Scrubbing Every Day)

Even the best bird bath needs basic upkeep. But with the right setup, it takes just a few minutes a week:

• Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent mosquitoes and algae.
• Use a stiff brush once a week to scrub the basin. A simple vinegar-water mix works wonders.
  • 👉 Bird Bath Cleaning Brush – Amazon
• Add a copper disc or penny (pre-1982) to help reduce algae.
  • 👉 Bird Bath Copper Discs – Amazon
• Place it in partial shade to slow down algae growth.
• Add a solar fountain to keep water moving and more appealing to birds.
  • 👉 Floating Solar Bird Bath Fountain – Amazon

📍 Where Should You Put Your Bird Bath?

Location matters just as much as the bird bath itself:

• Partial Shade: Slows algae growth and keeps water cooler in summer.
• Near Shelter: Birds like quick access to shrubs or trees for safety.
• Flat Ground or Level Surface: Prevents tipping and keeps water even.
• Visible Spot: You want to enjoy the view, too!

Pro Tip: If you have room, offer both a ground level and elevated bath to attract a wider variety of species.

💬 Final Thoughts

A bird bath is one of the simplest ways to bring more life and movement into your backyard and with the right design, it doesn’t have to be a chore to maintain. Whether you prefer a rustic pedestal, a modern deck mounted option, or something minimal and practical, there’s a bird bath that fits your needs and keeps your feathered visitors happy.

Still not sure which one is best for your yard? Drop a comment below or send me a message. I love helping fellow backyard birders build wildlife friendly spaces!

You’ve set up the bird feeders. You’ve poured in the seed. You’re waiting with your camera or binoculars by the window… and then… nothing.

If you’ve been wondering why your feeder feels more like a ghost town than a bird rave, you’re not alone. It’s something just about every backyard birder has experienced at some point, myself included.

Let’s go over a few common reasons birds might be skipping your yard and what you can do to turn things around.

1. 

It Takes Time (Especially If You’re Just Starting Out)

Birds are creatures of habit. If your feeder is new or recently moved, it might take days or even weeks for birds to discover and trust it. They rely on memory, safety, and food reliability. So if they don’t already “know” your yard as a food source, it’s not personal they just haven’t added you to their route yet!

What you can do:

Be patient. Keep feeders filled with fresh seed and make your yard as welcoming as possible in the meantime.

2. 

The Seed Might Be Wrong (or Stale)

Not all birdseed is created equal. Some cheaper mixes are full of fillers like red millet or cracked corn that many birds toss out or avoid entirely. And if the seed has been sitting in a garage or shed too long, it might smell or taste off to birds.

Try this instead:

• Black oil sunflower seeds – a favorite of cardinals, chickadees, and finches.
• Nyjer (thistle) – for goldfinches and siskins.
• Suet cakes – loved by woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens.

Also, check for mold or clumping, especially in humid weather. Birds are picky—and rightfully so.

3. 

The Feeder Isn’t in a Bird-Friendly Spot

Where you hang your feeder matters. Birds want easy access to food, but they also need cover and safety from predators (especially hawks and outdoor cats).

Better feeder placement tips:

• Near native shrubs or trees where birds can perch and hide.
• Away from busy sidewalks, loud HVAC units, or high-traffic areas.
• Ideally 10–12 feet from a window or add window decals to prevent collisions.

Want a chart with ALL the information on where to place feeders?

Click HERE to get your FREE Bird feeder Placement Chart and start getting more birds quick!

4. 

Predators or Bullies Might Be Scaring Birds Off

If birds are visiting and then vanishing, it’s possible something is scaring them off. Hawks, cats, or even aggressive birds like grackles or starlings can dominate a feeder and make smaller birds steer clear.

What helps:

• Try baffle guards or squirrel-proof feeders.
• Use feeders that cater to smaller birds (like tube feeders with small perches).
• Plant dense shrubs nearby to give birds a quick escape route.

5. 

There’s Just Too Much Natural Food Right Now

This might sound like a good problem and it kind of is! If you’re not seeing many visitors in mid summer or early fall, birds may be foraging on natural foods like insects, berries, and native seeds.

What to do:

• Keep feeders clean and filled anyway. Birds will return when food becomes scarcer.
• Consider planting native species that keep them coming year-round like coneflowers, elderberries, or serviceberries.

6. 

The Feeder Might Need a Cleaning

This one’s not glamorous, but it’s important. Dirty feeders can harbor mold and bacteria that are harmful to birds and can deter them from coming back.

Quick cleaning tip:

Every 2 weeks (more often in hot, wet weather), rinse feeders with a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution or a vinegar soak. Let them dry completely before refilling.

Final Thought: You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

If your feeder is a little too quiet right now, don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it’s just a seasonal lull or a result of changing bird patterns. Keep showing up for them and refilling feeders, planting natives, offering clean water and the birds will come.

And when they do, it’ll be all the sweeter because you’ll know how much love and care went into creating a safe space for them.

Have you had this happen at your feeder?

Let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos on Instagram! I’d love to hear what birds you’re seeing (or hoping to see) in your yard.

Want to read more about the best feeders for your yard?

Heres my full article on the 5 BEST bird feeders for any yard!

Lets Turn Your Backyard Into a Northern Cardinal Haven!

Few backyard birds are as striking as the Northern Cardinal with their bold red feathers and melodic calls, they’re a joy to watch year-round. If you’d like to see more cardinals in your yard, the secret lies in planting native species they love.

In this post, we’ll explore the best native plants that attract cardinals by providing food, shelter, and nesting spots—all while supporting your local ecosystem.

Why Native Plants Matter for Cardinals

Native plants are adapted to your region’s climate and soil, which means they’re more resilient, require less maintenance, and offer the exact berries, seeds, and cover that birds like cardinals rely on.

Northern Cardinals are non-migratory, so they need consistent food and safe cover, especially in winter. With the right native plants, you can make your yard a year-round sanctuary.

Top Native Plants That Attract Cardinals

1. 

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Cardinals love the dense evergreen cover for nesting and the blue, berry-like cones as a winter food source.

Benefits:

• Excellent winter shelter
• Provides year-round structure
• Supports other wildlife, too

2. 

Dogwoods (Cornus species)

Red Osier Dogwood and Gray Dogwood both produce berries that cardinals eat in fall and winter.

Benefits:

• Beautiful red stems in winter
• Clusters of berries that persist into colder months
• Provides cover and nesting habitat

3. 

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

These sunny wildflowers provide seeds cardinals eat in fall and winter once the blooms dry out.

Benefits:

• Attracts insects (cardinal nestlings need protein!)
• Seeds for adult cardinals
• Low-maintenance and blooms all summer

4. 

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

A pollinator favorite and a seed source for birds once the flowers go to seed.

Benefits:

• Supports birds and butterflies
• Drought-tolerant
• Beautiful in mixed borders and natural areas

5. 

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

This small tree or shrub is a cardinal favorite for nesting and feeding.

Benefits:

• Early spring berries
• Gorgeous spring blooms
• Provides cover and perching sites

6. 

Sumac (Rhus spp.)

Staghorn and Smooth Sumac provide vibrant red berries that persist through fall and winter.

Benefits:

• Red berries are a winter food source
• Striking fall color
• Colonizes quickly, ideal for naturalized areas

7. 

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

This native shrub is known for its vibrant purple berries and arching stems.

Benefits:

• Late season berries
• Attracts a variety of birds
• Gorgeous addition to a native garden

Tips for Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Yard

• Layer Your Habitat: Cardinals prefer dense shrubs for nesting with nearby open spaces for foraging.
• Don’t Deadhead Too Soon: Leave flower heads on plants like coneflowers and rudbeckia so birds can forage on seeds.
• Skip the Pesticides: Cardinals eat insects especially during nesting season. A healthy insect population supports healthy chicks.
• Add a Water Source: A simple birdbath, especially one with moving water, draws cardinals in.

Final Thoughts

Cardinals thrive in yards that offer year-round food, safe places to nest, and natural cover. By choosing native plants that match your region, you’re not only attracting these beloved red birds you’re helping restore the habitat they depend on.

Want more tips to attract cardinals?

Check out our full guide: How To Attract Cardinals To Your Yard for tips on the best feeders, foods, and more.