Create a bird sanctuary, especially one that includes a hummingbird feeder, for a rewarding project that helps support local wildlife while adding beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space. Below are the steps you can follow to create a thriving bird sanctuary, along with considerations for a hummingbird-friendly environment.
Create a Bird Sanctuary with a Hummingbird Feeder
1. Choose a Suitable Location
- Observation and Safety: Select a quiet, peaceful area in your yard or garden where birds feel safe and comfortable. A secluded corner or area near trees can provide shelter and privacy for the birds.
- Shelter and Shade: Plant native shrubs or trees near the feeding area to offer shelter from predators and harsh weather. Trees also provide natural perches for birds to rest on.
2. Add a Variety of Native Plants
- Flowering Plants for Nectar: Include a mix of flowering plants that provide nectar for hummingbirds. Native plants such as bee balm, trumpet vine, columbine, and salvias are ideal.
- Seeds and Berries: For other bird species, incorporate shrubs like elderberry, hawthorn, or sunflowers that produce seeds and berries to attract a variety of birds.
- Evergreen Trees: Plant evergreen trees like pines, spruces, or junipers for year-round shelter and nesting spots.
3. Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat
- Bird Baths: Install a birdbath to provide fresh water for drinking and bathing. Consider a shallow dish with gently sloping sides or a fountain to keep the water fresh and inviting.
- Nest Boxes or Shelters: Place birdhouses in your sanctuary to provide safe places for birds to build their nests. Opt for birdhouses suited to the species in your area (e.g., bluebirds, chickadees, wrens).
- Provide a Variety of Feeders: Offer a range of feeders for different types of birds:
- Seed Feeders: Use tube feeders or platform feeders for songbirds like finches, sparrows, and chickadees.
- Suet Feeders: Hang suet blocks to attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eating birds.
4. Install a Hummingbird Feeder
- Feeder Placement: Hang your hummingbird feeder in a shaded area, protected from wind and direct sunlight. Place it near flowers or plants that provide natural nectar. Ensure it’s close enough to provide easy access but not too close to windows or areas with heavy traffic that could scare them off.
- Type of Feeder: Choose a red or brightly colored feeder, as hummingbirds are naturally attracted to these colors. Select a feeder with a built-in ant moat to keep pests away and one that’s easy to clean to prevent mold and bacteria build-up.
- Nectar Solution: Mix your own hummingbird nectar by combining 1 part white cane sugar with 4 parts water. Avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners, as they can harm the birds.
- Cleaning: Clean the hummingbird feeder regularly (at least once a week, especially during hot weather) using a mild solution of vinegar and water to prevent mold and algae growth.
5. Provide Protection and Shelter
- Avoid Pesticides: Do not use harmful chemicals or pesticides in your sanctuary, as they can be dangerous to both birds and other wildlife. Instead, use organic methods to control pests in your garden.
- Predator Control: Protect your bird sanctuary from predators like cats and squirrels. You can use baffles on the poles of bird feeders to deter squirrels and keep cats away by creating some physical barriers.
6. Monitor and Enjoy Your Sanctuary
- Keep a Birdwatching Journal: Observe the birds that visit your sanctuary and keep a log of the species, their behaviors, and feeding habits. This can help you improve the sanctuary over time and track the health of the birds.
- Seasonal Adjustments: During colder months, you may need to switch to high-energy suet cakes for winter birds. Keep the hummingbird feeder filled year-round in areas where hummingbirds migrate, or set it up again in the spring when they return.
7. Promote a Healthy Ecosystem
- Support Pollinators: Plant additional nectar-rich flowers and shrubs to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to create a balanced ecosystem in your garden.
- Composting and Organic Practices: Avoid chemical fertilizers, and use composting to enrich your soil. This will help maintain a healthy habitat for both the plants and the birds.
How to create a bird sanctuary backyard
Here’s a related article about attracting hummingbirds
Want to create a bird sanctuary for hummingbirds?
By following these steps, you’ll create a bird sanctuary that is both beautiful and functional where hummingbirds and other species can thrive, and you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right in your own backyard. Happy birdwatching!
