Posted By Cathy Scholes On 29-11-2023
Bird watching in Southern Ontario has soared in popularity, thanks to the diverse avian population that calls the region home. This delightful hobby requires little more than a quiet spot, a pair of binoculars, and a bird book or app for identification. Bird apps, in particular, make the experience seamless by identifying birds through their songs.
A backyard bird feeder is a simple way to attract a variety of birds to your garden. However, be wary of crafty squirrels that may deplete your feeder’s contents. Opt for a squirrel-proof feeder to ensure your feathered friends receive their fair share. Additionally, consider incorporating a birdhouse or wooden shed into your yard, providing shelter for birds during inclement weather and a safe space for nesting. https://inthebackyard.ca/
To cater to birds’ love for bathing, invest in a bird bath. Remember to keep the water fresh to entice more visitors. By providing adequate food, water, and shelter, your backyard can become a haven for a variety of bird species.
Enhance your bird-watching experience by planting flowers and shrubs that attract specific bird species. Hummingbirds, for example, are drawn to vibrant colours such as red, pink, yellow, and orange. Bluejays prefer the color blue, while orioles and warblers are attracted to orange, and goldfinches favor yellow. By adding plants to your garden that produce flowers in these colours, you can anticipate the arrival of these stunning birds to your backyard.
While each region in Canada boasts its own unique avian residents, some birds are widespread throughout the country. Common backyard visitors throughout Canada include the Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Chickadee, American Crow, European Starling, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, and American Goldfinch. These familiar feathered friends can be observed in every season across every region in Canada.
Backyard bird watching in southern Ontario offers a rewarding and captivating experience. By applying simple strategies such as adding bird feeders, birdhouses, and bird baths, you can transform your yard into a haven for a variety of bird species. Planting of flowers and shrubs further enhances the allure, attracting specific birds based on their colour preferences. So, grab your binoculars, find a quiet spot, and marvel at the wonders of nature unfolding in your very own backyard. What birds do you spot in your southern Ontario backyard?