Bird-friendly homes are safe havens for urban birds looking to breed, feed, nest, or rest. Small outdoor adjustments encourage the recovery of local bird communities while also naturalizing the home. Here, you’ll find creative ideas and resources to make your home and garden bird-friendly:

Window Decals

window decals

Adhesive decals can help prevent bird strikes on windows. For maximum effectiveness, they should be spaced no more than four inches apart so that birds don’t attempt to fly through the gaps.

Photo via: Canva 
Nesting boxes

nesting box

Nesting boxes are a great way to offer shelter to breeding birds. When using these boxes, there are a few things to be mindful of:

  • Boxes should not be close to bird feeders, as high activity discourages nesting
  • Different bird species have different sunlight preferences; if you’re looking to provide for a specific local species, try looking into how much light they prefer and face your box accordingly
  • Removing landing perches at the entrance hole of a box can protect it from predators
 
Photo via: Wikimedia Commons
Brushed dog and cat fur

brushed dog and cat fur

Pet fur can be a great resource for birds during nesting season! Simply leave the brushed fur outside for birds to collect. You may also purchase a small hay feeder or suet cage to store the fur in. 

Photo via: Wild About Birds 
Feeders
Feeders

Different birds have varying feeding patterns. For general bird feeders, mixtures containing sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet are popular and are preferred by many species. If you’re opting for suet, it is best provided during the colder months.

Photo via: Wikimedia Commons
Hedge rows and shrubs

hedge rows

These garden structures are great for providing cover for low-nesting birds.

Photo via: Wikimedia Commons 
 Flowering plants

flowering plants

Flowering plants, such as Dogwood trees, attract insect pollinators, which are an important food source for birds. A dense wildflower garden provides a great source of shelter and shade for birds. Native plants are best adapted to thrive in your community’s environment.

Photo via: Wikimedia Commons 
 Water sources
bird drinking waterBirds will frequently bathe in and drink from the same water source. If you’re providing a bird bath, ensuring it remains clean and free of additives is important for bird health.


Photo via: Wikimedia Commons
 Refrain from rodenticide

bird flying with rodent

Rodenticides, also known as rodent poisons, can be detrimental to birds that consume mice and other small animals. When birds eat poisoned rodents or the bait itself, the toxins can build up in their bodies. Birds of prey, like hawks and owls, are especially vulnerable because they often eat multiple poisoned rodents. 

Photo via: Wikimedia Commons