If you’re a Fresno renter, you might be formulating plans to make your yard more bird-friendly. After all, a lot of landlords won’t be very pleased if you start changing the landscaping without prior approval. You can take some easy steps to attract more birds to your yard! Let’s examine the best ways to make your rental home’s yard more hospitable for birds. Read on for helpful advice on bringing more birds into your life!
What a Bird Wants
One of the proven ways to attract birds to your yard is by knowing what birds are looking for and including that in your yard. Case in point, birds are fascinated with shady areas that offer lots of places to perch. They are also attracted to areas with plentiful food sources. So a wonderful place to start is putting out some bird feeders and filling them with bird seed. Bird seed is relatively inexpensive, and it can be found at most pet stores or online. If you want to get more creative, you can make your own bird feeders from recycled materials. Just be sure to research and buy the right kind of bird seed for your local bird population. It’s also important to keep the bird feeders clean, so be sure to empty and wash them regularly.
Attracting Hummingbirds
One of the nicest and most fascinating kinds of birds is the hummingbird. There are several things you can do to attract them. First, plant some flowers that hummingbirds love, such as bee balm or trumpet vine. You will also be able to put out a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water. An easy recipe for hummingbird water is to mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. Be sure to change the sugar water every few days and clean the feeder regularly. Try not to use hummingbird food with red dye – it’s not good for them! Also, avoid using pesticides in your yard, as they can harm hummingbirds.
Add a Water Source
Another way to appeal to birds is by supplying them with water. Birds need water for drinking and bathing, so adding a birdbath is a great way to attract them to your yard. Birds love to splash around to cool off on warm summer days, giving you ample time to enjoy their antics. You can buy a pre-fabricated birdbath in a wide range of styles and materials at most hardware stores or online. Or, you could also build a simple birdbath out of a larger plastic container. Just be sure to place the birdbath in a shady spot and clean it regularly to reduce mosquitos and keep the water fresh.
Introduce Native Plants
To attract local birds, you will have to try planting native plants in your yard. Native plants are those that are naturally found in your area, and they offer natural sources of food and shelter for birds. If you plan to plant in the yard, just be sure to ask your Fresno property manager first. If they say no, it’s not the end – you can always get creative with some inexpensive planter boxes and pots. By planting native plants in your yard, you’ll attract birds and provide a valuable resource for them. You can find native plants at most nurseries or online.
Add Places to Nest
Lastly, you can make your yard more bird-friendly by creating nesting sites. Birds need places to build their nests, so you can help them by providing nesting boxes or birdhouses. You can buy nesting boxes at most hardware stores or make your own out of recycled materials. A great thing about nesting boxes is that some birds will return every year to nest so you can enjoy them again and again! No matter what type of nesting site you choose, be sure to place the nesting boxes in a shady spot and clean them regularly (between nesting seasons) to keep the birds safe.
Following these tips, you can effortlessly make your yard more bird-friendly and attract more birds to your home. Get started today and enjoy the beauty of birds in your own backyard!
If you are looking for a new rental home where you can create a bird paradise, browse our listings online to see the possibilities in your area.
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