Backyard Birding

Seasonal decorating this time of year generally includes a number of items related to the harvest: sheaves of wheat, pumpkins, gourds, bails of straw and Indian corn are all popular. Because harvest time is well represented by just about anything that can be harvested, it is relatively easy to create decorations which will please both human and avian visitors to your yard.

Millet sprays.

These may be hung in small groupings on a fence, on a door or anywhere else they are visible and accessible to birds. They have the same general visual effect as hanging sheaves of wheat, but more of our native songbirds will seek out millet than wheat. They can also be woven into a wreath. The millet is knocked off the spray pretty easily so one of the best places to make your wreaths is over the ground feeder.

Indian Corn.

This seasonal favorite is also a favorite of squirrels. In fact, I noticed several places where homeowners were complaining about the squirrels eating their Indian corn decorations. This may be a problem if you want to keep it, but can be entertaining for those of us who enjoy our squirrels. In moderation at least. “Squirrel corn” and dried feed corn have a similar effect, although not as visually striking as the multi-colored Indian corn. And woodpeckers and blue jays will enjoy the kernels of all variations as much as your squirrels will.

Nature wreaths.

My mom loves grapevine wreaths and hangs them year round. This time of year, she decorates them with some colored leaves, but the same color could be achieved with dried berries. Other seasonal fruit, such as apples and pears, can also be dried and added to a colorful wreath.

Nature’s harvest.

A basket of collected pine cones, acorns and walnuts set near a step welcomes the season and your neighborhood squirrels. Woodpeckers and other insect eating birds might appreciate a hanging dish of cracked nuts.

Decorative feeders.

If you have a few decorative gourds which you set out every year, they are certainly dried by now. These can be made into a variety of scoops, feeders and bird houses, limited only by your imagination. Cut one in half to make a scoop. Or fill a half with seed and hang as a decorative platform feeder. A small hole will make an attractive birdhouse, although it likely will not be populated until Spring. If you want to begin the process for next year, it should only take one season to dry a small gourd.

Scarecrows.

While using your scarecrow to offer birdseed may seem a little counterproductive, these little fellows rarely have any real job in our yards today. Consider hanging a small bird feeder from his hand. Place some suet on his shoulder and you may get a variety of birds lined up for a photo op.

These are only a few ideas to get you started. Taking a moment to look at your decorations from your birds’ perspective will help you think of different ways to incorporate their favorite foods into your seasonal decorating.

fall, decorating, birding, birdwatching, backyard birding