Blooming In Nashville HSMT Magazine - Magazine - Page 60
How to Enjoy
Birds All Summer
Photos: Cornell Lab Ornithology
As crisp spring turns into warm summer, the
Watch for Where Birds Are nesting
birding energy dips a little. The new waves
Summertime is a great time to become a
of arriving migrants dwindle, and the sheer
detective. Everywhere, all around you, birds
exuberance of the dawn chorus subsides.
are nesting—but they’re secretive about it. By
Birds are pairing up, starting their nests, and
honing your senses and learning a few key
spending less time singing. But don’t mistake
clues to bird behavior, you can zero in on where
this quieter period with a lack of options: you’ve
a nest is and even determine how far along it
got a whole summer of great birding ahead.
is. After that, you can keep a safe distance and
watch the parents as they raise their young
Here are 昀椀ve approaches to summer birding we
brood—a special chance for an intimate look at
really look forward to:
birds’ lives.
O昀昀er nutritious summer foods and cool
Or you might prefer the direct approach: set
bathing opportunities
out a birdhouse and let the birds come to you.
Summer gives you the opportunity to attract
Populations of several species, including
new birds to your yard or home. Try expanding
swallows and bluebirds, have bene昀椀ted
feeder o昀昀erings beyond seed and suet to treats
substantially from people providing birdhouses.
like oranges, nectar, mealworms, and more.
We’ve got tips, tactics, and advice for how to
Water is always a good way to attract birds,
cater to the birds you’re most interested in.
and a well-thought-out birdbath can make a big
di昀昀erence in bird activity at your yard.
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