Wild Birds: Practical Tips for Watching, Feeding, and Helping Local Species

Did you know a single backyard can attract dozens of wild bird species through the year? You don’t need a lot of space or gear to make a real difference. Small changes in feeders, water, and plants bring more birds, and help them stay healthy. Below are simple, practical tips you can use today.

Feeding and Water: What to Use and What to Avoid

Choose food based on the birds you want to attract. Black-oil sunflower seeds are a reliable all-purpose choice — finches, cardinals, chickadees, and many others love them. Nyjer (thistle) works great for finches. For ground-feeders, offer cracked corn and milo in trays.

Avoid bread, salty snacks, and anything moldy. Bread fills a bird’s stomach but offers little nutrition and can cause health problems. Keep food dry and replace wet seed quickly to stop mold and bacteria growth.

Water is as important as food. Use a shallow birdbath with a rough surface so birds can perch. In winter, add a safe heater or check and break ice daily. In summer, change water every day to prevent mosquitoes and algae.

Clean feeders and baths every two weeks with a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), rinse well, and let dry. Dirty feeders spread disease fast — regular cleaning prevents outbreaks.

Found an Injured Bird? Quick Steps to Help

If you find an injured bird, stay calm and keep people and pets away. Approach slowly and cover the bird with a light towel to reduce stress. Move it into a ventilated box lined with a towel and keep the box in a quiet, warm place.

Do not try to feed or medicate the bird. Giving human food, water, or medications can make injuries worse. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal rescue. Many rehab centers list drop-off instructions and hours online.

If the bird is clearly dead, do not touch it with bare hands. Use gloves or a shovel to move it and call local authorities if you suspect disease or repeated deaths in the area.

Other easy wins: plant native shrubs and seed-producing plants to provide natural food and shelter, keep cats indoors or supervised, and place feeders near cover but not too close to windows to reduce collisions. Use window decals or screens if collisions are a problem.

Want to identify species fast? A small pair of binoculars, a phone app like Merlin or eBird, and a backyard notebook will get you started. Note date, time, and behavior — that helps you learn migration patterns and seasonal visitors.

Wild birds respond to steady, thoughtful care. Feed smart, keep water clean, protect against hazards, and call a pro if a bird needs help. Your yard can become a safe stop on a bird’s journey.