Top Secret to Attracting Cardinals to Your Yard
June 8, 2023
source: Pexels
Imagine waking up to the delightful sight and cheerful songs of beautiful cardinals in your backyard. These vibrant birds with their bright red feathers and distinctive crests can add a touch of natural beauty to any outdoor space. If you’ve always wanted to attract cardinals to your yard, we’ve got some good news for you. There’s a secret to making your outdoor space irresistible to these feathered friends. In this article, we’ll reveal that secret and provide you with five tips to help you attract cardinals to your yard. So, let’s dive in!
The secret to attracting cardinals lies in creating a welcoming environment that meets their basic needs. Cardinals are looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. By providing these essentials, you can make your yard a cardinal-friendly haven.
Offer Cardinal-Friendly Food:
Cardinals favor specific food types. Cardinals are specialized in eating tough seeds that other birds cannot handle. To attract them, you need to focus on the right kind of food for your feeder. They have a preference for larger seeds and also enjoy suet. Make sure to hang suet feeders securely in a sheltered spot. Additionally, it’s crucial to provide them with food throughout the year since cardinals do not migrate and will stay only if their requirements are met. By keeping the feeders clean and consistently filled, you’re already halfway to winning the battle of attracting cardinals. Invest in a good quality bird feeder and fill it with black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. These seeds are irresistible to cardinals, and by placing the feeder in an open area, you’ll increase the chances of attracting them.
Provide a Fresh Water Source:
Just like any living creature, cardinals need water to survive. Offering a fresh and clean water source will act as a magnet for them. Install a birdbath or a shallow basin in your yard and keep it filled with clean water. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent it from becoming stagnant or frozen, depending on the weather.
Create a Cardinal-Friendly Habitat:
Cardinals seek out areas with dense foliage and shrubs for nesting and protection. Planting shrubs, bushes, and trees that provide cover and perching spots will make your yard more inviting to them. Evergreens, such as pine and spruce trees, are particularly attractive to cardinals during winter when other foliage is scarce. Additionally, they appreciate areas with thick undergrowth, so consider adding some native plants to create a diverse and bird-friendly habitat.
Make Safe Nesting Spaces Available:
Cardinals build their nests in shrubs, bushes, and low trees. To encourage nesting, provide suitable nesting spaces. Consider leaving some untamed areas in your yard where cardinals can build their nests undisturbed. Dense shrubs or thick hedges near the ground level will be their preferred nesting spots. Avoid excessive pruning during the nesting season to allow them to settle in comfortably.
Keep Predators at Bay:
Cardinals, like other birds, are vulnerable to predators such as cats and squirrels. Taking measures to keep these potential threats away from your yard will help create a safer environment for the cardinals. Consider installing bird feeders that are designed to deter larger animals and placing them in strategic locations where they can be easily monitored. If you have a cat, make sure to keep it indoors or supervise its outdoor activities to prevent it from hunting the birds.
By implementing these five simple tips, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting cardinals to your yard. Remember, creating a welcoming habitat with abundant food, fresh water, and safe nesting spaces is the key to attracting these beautiful birds. So, get ready to witness the stunning red plumage and enjoy the delightful melodies of cardinals in your own backyard. Happy birdwatching!