Building a bird-friendly backyard in Ontario goes beyond aesthetics; it's a commitment to preserving biodiversity and contributing to the well-being of birds and the broader ecosystem. Whether you're an experienced bird enthusiast or a novice, here are some valuable tips to help you create a backyard bird haven.
Plant Native for Natural Food Sources:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird & Cardinal Flower. Photo by Shayna Hartley. Opt for native species like Eastern Red Cedar, Red Dogwood, and Wild Bergamot. These plants not only offer berries, fruits, and seeds but also attract insects, a vital food source for many bird species. 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.
Create Shelter and Nesting Spots:
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| Eastern Bluebird on a Nesting Box. Photo by Shayna Hartley. |
Birds seek out safe and comfortable spaces to build nests and raise their young. Install birdhouses or nesting boxes designed for specific species like Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, or Chickadees. Place these boxes in quiet corners, away from heavy foot traffic and potential predators. You can explore our wide range of bird houses and boxes here. You can also read our full blog on some nesting boxes to hang before next spring.
Provide Water Sources:
Gray Catbird in Birdbath. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. Birds need access to clean water for drinking and bathing. A birdbath can hang or stand alone, becoming an irresistible oasis, even for birds that do not typically come to feeders. Ensure a shallow area for birds to wade in and incorporate a dripping or moving water feature such as a water wiggler or fountain to catch their attention. Explore our wide range of bird baths and accessories here.
Strategic Bird Feeding:
Pileated Woodpecker on Feeders. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. Bird feeders offer an additional food source, especially during harsh winters and other energy intensive times of year including breeding, molting, and migration. Choose a variety of feeder types – tube feeders for smaller birds like finches, platform feeders for ground-feeding species, and suet feeders for woodpeckers and nuthatches. Opt for high-quality bird seed blends that suit the preferences of local birds. We have many feeder styles available, some catering broadly to most birds and some specialized for particular species which you can browse here. If you want to start a feeder set up but don't know where to start, or simply want to be strategic with what you have already started, you can now book Feederscaping Appointments. Our Certified Bird Feeding Specialist™ will come to your home (or other space), evaluate your yard and help you create a plan to attract the widest variety of beautiful songbirds. Our specialist will also provide expert advice to keep squirrels, raccoons and other critters away from your feeders as well as creating habitat with native plants.
Minimize Chemical Use:
Eastern Phoebe. Photo by Kristen Martyn. Harmful chemicals can negatively impact birds and their habitats. Embrace natural gardening methods and reduce or eliminate pesticide and herbicide use. Birds often forage on insects and pests, helping to naturally control your garden's ecosystem. Because bugs are a main food source for birds, poisoning them has both direct and indirect effects on the wellbeing of bird populations. Read more on this topic in our blog Life Without Bugs is Life Without Birds.
Offer Diverse Habitats:
Black-capped Chickadee on Goldenrod. Photo by Shayna Hartley. Create different zones within your backyard to cater to various bird species. Incorporate open spaces, dense shrubs, and trees to mimic natural habitats. Birds will appreciate the options for foraging, nesting, and shelter. When you can, choose to leave native 'weeds' and dead trees, both provide amazing options for food, shelter, and nesting to a wide range of species. Check out our former blog Reframing Weeds: The Benefits of Vilified Plants to learn more about the value of species that are often removed.
Keep Cats Indoors:
Cats are natural predators, and even well-fed outdoor cats pose a consistent threat to birds. Cats are not a natural part of our ecosystems and in being introduced become both predator and prey. Although it is a difficult statistic to calculate, it is estimated that domestic cats kill 97-325 million birds annually in North America. Unlike native predators, such as raccoons or skunks, domestic cats are likely to kill birds whether they intend on consuming them or not. Domestic cats differ from natural predators in drastic ways which amplify their effects on wildlife populations. To ensure the safety of visiting birds, keep your feline friends indoors, or create an enclosed area, a 'catio', where they can still enjoy the outdoors without endangering wildlife. Learn more on caring for our cats AND wild birds here.
Building a bird-friendly backyard in Ontario is so rewarding. It connects you to the wonders of nature while contributing to the conservation of local bird species - and many other species by proxy. Grab a cup of bird-friendly coffee, take a seat, and enjoy the symphony of a backyard made habitat.
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