Feeding Birds Without Bird Feeders

I know, we're a backyard bird feeding store.. why would we offer tips on feeding birds without bird feeders? Because we believe that no matter the circumstances or personal choices, everyone should be able to enjoy watching birds with or without feeders. Sometimes using bird feeders isn't an option for mobility reasons (difficult to reach, fill, and clean feeders), due to living situations (bird feeders aren't allowed at many rental properties), municipal bylaws, or simply because someone may not want to use bird feeders. Whatever the reason, we're here to provide tips on how to feed and support birds naturally without the use of - or in conjunction with - commercial bird feeders.

Juvenile Vireo (sp.) feeding on Prickly Ash berries

Plant native (and with purpose)

The best way to feed birds without bird feeders is to grow native plants that they feed on directly and support insect life which make up a large portion of most birds' diets. Why choose native over non-native - a plant's a plant, right? Not quite. Native plants help to stabilize soil, and typically require less water and management in comparison to non-native plants. Native plants know the land. They know our wildlife, and our wildlife knows them. They co-exist with our natural species, rather than compete with them like most non-native plants. Studies have shown that our native bird species will actively seek out native fruit-bearing species to feed on before non-natives. Of course, birds and insects will still visit non-native species, but think of them like fast food. Fills you up, but doesn't offer much sustenance. Here is a list of some "bird approved" native plant species:

• Fruit-bearing plants: Staghorn Sumac, Eastern Red Cedar, Mountain Ash, Red Osier Dogwood, Canadian Serviceberry, Chokecherry, Nannyberry, Winterberry, Elderberry, Prickly Ash
• Perennials: Purple Cone Flower, Black-eyed Susan, Cardinal Flower, Dense Blazing Star, Milkweed species, Aster species, Joe Pye Weed

Click here to learn more about native plants that are best suited for your yard. 

Black-capped Chickadee excavating natural nesting cavity in snag

Let snags and stumps stand

Snags (dead trees) are used by many bird species for nesting, roosting, storing food, and foraging for insects. Insects such as beetles and ants are attracted to the soft, decaying wood of dead trees and often make their homes in them. This creates a buffet for birds with no effort from us. Leaving dead trees or stumps where they stand when it's safe to do so, is one of the easiest ways to help support a healthy habitat for birds & countless wildlife species. 

Common Yellowthroat feeding on insects

Avoid pesticide use
A startling 96% of North American bird species rely on insects for all, or part, of their diet. Insect populations are in decline which is directly linked to the steep decline in bird populations noted in a study by Cornell Lab of Ornithology where it was stated that nearly 3 billion birds have disappeared since 1970. One of the main causes of this troubling decline is widespread pesticide use. In the United States alone, over one billion pounds of pesticides are used each year. While Canada may not be as lenient on regulations regarding pesticide use, we still have over 30 commercially available products that are directly poisonous to birds. There are many more pesticides registered for use in Canada that may not poison birds directly, but have a significant negative impact on insect populations. Even if you aren't using insecticides yourself, there are other ways that you may be supporting the widespread use of them. Here are a few ways you can avoid insecticides and help birds:

• Know where your plants come from. Get to know your local growers and greenhouses, ask questions, and research brands. Whether it be vegetables, flowers, or house plants, it's important to know that the plants you choose to purchase were grown without the use of insecticides & pesticides. 
  
  
• Grow your own pesticide-free produce whenever possible. If you aren't in a position to grow your own food, check out local farmer's markets and talk to the growers to find out what their practices are.
  
  
• Make the switch to bird-friendly coffee. Bird-friendly coffee comes from certified coffee farms that practice organic & sustainable farming. This means that these farms preserve and create habitat where wildlife can flourish by including foliage cover, plant diversity, leaf litter, waterways, and more. Click here to learn more about bird-friendly coffee. 
  
  
• Use pesticides as a last resort. If you have no other option and must use pesticides, opt for selective pesticides that target specific organisms (ants, flies, etc) rather than non-selective pesticides that destroy all "pests". These broad spectrum pesticides cause the most harm to our wildlife and create toxic, inhabitable environments.
  
  

Brown Creeper feeding on Hot Pepper Bark Butter

Try offering Bark Butter
Maybe you don't want to, or aren't able to, use feeders but still want to offer the birds a treat now and then. Bark Butter is the perfect option in these situations. Bark Butter is a highly nutritious, palatable, and spreadable suet created with the intention of attracting the shy Brown Creeper. It is made of pure rendered beef suet, peanut butter, corn, and added calcium for an extra boost. Not only does this recipe attract Brown Creepers, but it also attracts several other species who are not regular suet feeder visitors such as Grey Catbirds, Northern Mockingbirds, and Northern Cardinals. Since it's easily spreadable, Bark Butter essentially turns your surroundings in to bird feeders. Grab your tub of Bark Butter & a fork, smear a generous amount on to a tree and crosshatch with fork prongs, and watch as the birds investigate and chow down. Bonus: Bark Butter makes a great "first food" for young birds during nesting season!

Want to learn more about creating a bird-friendly habitat in your own yard? Check out some of our other blogs:

• Life Without Bugs is Life Without Birds
  
• Spring Cleaning for the Birds: Preparing Your Yard for Nesting Season
  
• Nesting Material Dos and Don'ts
  

Happy trails!

- Shayna