It doesn’t take much to get started as a backyard birder, but experienced birders quickly realize that some basic supplies can make cleaning and refilling feeders, attracting and identifying birds and enjoying a bird-friendly backyard easier and more convenient. While you may not want all 25 of these supplies for your backyard, a few extra items can help you enjoy your backyard birds even more.
While birds will come to visit yards with edible plants and nectar-rich flowers, specialized feeders offering different types of seed, suet and
nuts will attract a wider range of species and offer birders a visible hotspot for bird activity.
From simple basins to complex fountains, different types of birdbaths will attract more birds than food alone. Moving water is best, but any simple birdbath will be appreciated.
Adding a birdhouse or nesting box to your backyard gives birds an instant home to settle in. Choose a
safe birdhouse design specialized for your backyard species to increase the chance of attracting avian residents.
As you attract more birds to your backyard, you’ll want to choose a comprehensive field guide suitable for your region. This book will be an invaluable resource for identifying all your feathered visitors.
A simple pair of binoculars can help you observe backyard birds more closely, even if the feeders aren’t positioned near windows. Choose binoculars that allow clear focusing at close distances for the most effective backyard observations.
While there are many
types of birdseed to offer, black oil sunflower seed is the most attractive to the greatest number of species and will draw in more visitors. Choose hulled seeds or chips if you want to avoid inadvertently growing seeds or hull debris on the lawn.
7. Scoop
A plastic or metal scoop will help you refill feeders quickly and easily. Choose a scoop shape and size that will fit your feeders easily, or consider several scoops for different types of seed.8. Scrub Brushes
Cleaning birdfeeders is essential to
minimizing diseases and
spoiled seed, and simple scrub brushes can help you remove dirt, feces and other debris from your feeders. Bottle brushes can clean tube feeders and miniature brushes are useful for scrubbing narrow feeding ports.
9. Gloves
A sturdy pair of garden gloves will keep your hands clean when cleaning or refilling feeders. They are also necessary if you need to
dispose of dead birds from predators, disease or window collisions.
Sturdy, airtight containers will help you store birdseed away from moisture, insects and rodents so it will stay fresh longer. Choose containers you can easily handle but that will hold a suitable quantity of seed.
