Woodpeckers are unusual and beautiful birds, typical of North America, which live in wooded areas but also among the trees of suburban areas. They eat a lot of unwanted insects and are great fun for anyone who likes to observe them. As they tend to stay in the same areas throughout the year it is possible to find them often. Here are some ways to get some woodpeckers to visit you in your garden.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making the Garden More Attractive to Peaks
Step 1. Learn about the peaks
There are many species and not only in North America. Knowing which ones you can meet in the area where you live will help you understand what to feed them and what to use to attract them.
- Velvety Woodpecker, is black and white checkered and is found in all American states and parts of Canada. This woodpecker loves suet and the challenge of an upside-down feeder.
- Woody Woodpecker, in appearance it is similar to the velvety one even if it has a longer beak and is more shy than the other. This genus of woodpecker is found in the United States, parts of Canada and also in areas south of Mexico. Usually it does not go near the feeding troughs.
- Golden Woodpecker, is polka dot and is found throughout North and parts of Central America. When flying you may notice yellow and red dots as well as unique black markings. This bird breed tends to feed on ground insects although it does occasionally use feeders.
- The Pileated, Red-headed and Carolina Woodpeckers are found in the eastern United States. The Pileate is large, mostly black with a red crest and white lines near the throat. They are rarely birds that use feeders. The Red Headed Woodpecker is a rare bird whose growth should be encouraged with small nests. Its diet includes fruits, seeds, nuts, and other small birds and rodents. The Carolina Woodpecker is medium in size, with a red head and belly on a predominantly black body. Love lard and nuts.
- The Lewis Woodpecker and the Red Nape are the two rarest species and are found primarily in the western United States. Lewis's is of medium size with a gray breast, dark red head and pinkish belly. It is insectivorous and gets its food from trees. The Red Nape inhabits low-lying areas near the Rocky Mountains. It tends to prefer the sap of willows but also eats that of other trees.
Step 2. Choose the right food
Woodpeckers love nuts, insects, seeds and are attracted to those feeders that offer them what they would look for in the woods. By giving them the right selection you can attract more species.
- Lard is the hardened fat around the internal organs of beef and mutton. It is a delicacy for most woodpeckers. It is sold in blocks and is placed in special upside-down feeders that discourage starlings, an invasive species, allowing cicadas and woodpeckers to feed.
- Better not to give the lard in hot seasons because it melts and ends up on the wings of the birds. This is dangerous because the summer months coincide with the incubation of the eggs and the suet on the shells could prevent the correct supply of oxygen to the embryos.
- Nuts and seeds, specifically peanuts and sunflowers, are equally popular and are a cheap option.
- Fruit is equally loved. Sliced apples and oranges contain many nutrients that are important for the health of birds.
- Worm meals are made with Tenebrio molitor insect larvae. They should be placed in troughs deep enough to prevent them from coming out. They can last for weeks after the date of purchase if they remain at a temperature of 7-9 °.
Step 3. Choose the right feeder
Even though woodpeckers spend most of their time looking for natural food sources like grubs, insects, spiders, ants and more, you can attract them to your garden by correctly choosing where to feed them.
- Regular feeders support the position in which woodpeckers usually feed.
- Position yours to replicate the way woodpeckers prefer to eat. Those of suet, for example, will be more effective and frequented near a tree.
- Place your feeders in very quiet places to make woodpeckers feel safe. The well-lit areas and the sun are preferable because they favor the visibility of the woodpecker, which is a bird that is always alert.
Step 4. Provide him with water
Woodpeckers like tubs for bathing and drinking. They prefer those close to the ground. The water must be low enough - max 5 cm.
- Try placing a fountain with a tap in a shaded and out of the way area from the center of the garden. To encourage your woodpeckers to use it, you might want to place small supports around it.
- During the cold season you have to check that ice does not form. The simplest and most environmentally friendly way to water peaks in winter is to set up a plastic bowl at the same time of day, every day. As soon as ice forms, withdraw it.
Step 5. Provide them with shelter
As with most birds, woodpeckers like privacy and the ability to hide. Conifers and deciduous plants provide proper shelter and are a food source for woodpeckers. By planting a lot of them in the garden you will make sure they feel safe.
- Also plant bushes at the base of trees for added security and an additional source of nutrition.
- Some woodpeckers like Pileato love dry logs. Instead of having them removed, leave them where they are to promote nesting and perching.
- Consider putting a box to settle in and nest in the garden in the winter. Choosing the right accommodation is very important. Try to place it near the woodpecker's favorite vegetation. Place it raised off the ground, on poles, to ensure that the woodpeckers are protected from predators. You can buy these boxes or make them yourself. They should have drainage and ventilation holes, be solid and easy to clean.
Part 2 of 2: Making the Garden More Attractive to Other Birds
The peaks are just the beginning. If you want to start some sort of bird sanctuary, there are many things you can do and species to attract.
Step 1. If you don't live in woodpecker areas, think about common birds
Start equipping yourself to attract the Blue Thrush to the garden.
Step 2. You can also consider birds of various kinds during the winter months
Step 3. If you feel ready to work hard, build your own robin shelter, or bath tub
Step 4. Do you feel like taking a bird watching holiday?
Learn the basics, from preparation to the best places to observe your birds.
Advice
- Check the lard pats regularly as they turn rancid quickly. You can buy them at a pet store or do it yourself.
- If you're looking for ideas for planting something in favor of woodpeckers, consider pines (for sap) and oaks (woodpeckers like acorns).
Warnings
- Maintain your nesting boxes regularly. Aggressive species such as European Thrushes can take possession of them and destroy eggs and young.
- Beware of predators. Cats, raccoons, snakes, and other outdoor pets are a great threat to eggs and young. There are special defense tools that you can buy to keep them away without damaging them.
