Birds

Birds can cause damage to fruit by pecking, slashing, and consuming whole fruits. Some birds will consume grain intended for livestock and contaminate food with their feces. Droppings are acidic and lead to accelerated building deterioration. If heavily accumulated, droppings can plug gutters and cause water damage.

Encouraging Beneficial Bird Species

• Provide Food Sources
  • Native Plants: Plant a variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce seeds, berries, nectar, and attract insects, which are all essential food sources for birds.
  • Bird Feeders: Set up bird feeders with seeds, suet, or nectar, depending on the types of birds you want to attract. Regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Fruit Trees: Incorporate fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, like serviceberry, elderberry, or crabapple, which attract birds and provide food throughout the seasons.
• Water Features
  • Birdbaths: Provide birdbaths or shallow water features for drinking and bathing. Keep them clean and change the water regularly.
  • Ponds: A pond with shallow edges can attract waterfowl and other birds.
• Shelter and Nesting Sites
  • Birdhouses: Install birdhouses or nesting boxes to attract cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and owls. Ensure they are properly sized and placed in suitable locations.
  • Hedges and Dense Vegetation: Create dense areas of vegetation or thickets for birds to use as shelter and nesting sites. This also offers protection from predators.
  • Dead Trees (Snags): If safe, leave dead trees standing, as they provide natural nesting sites and attract insect-eating birds.

Minimizing Conflicts with Birds

• Protecting Gardens and Crops
  • Netting and Covers: Use bird netting or row covers to protect fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable gardens from birds.
  • Scare Tactics: Install visual deterrents like reflective tape, scarecrows, or predator decoys to discourage birds from areas where they may cause damage.
  • Noise Makers: Use noise deterrents, such as ultrasonic devices or loud noises, but be mindful of neighbors and other wildlife.
• Preventing Window Collisions
  • Window Treatments: Apply decals, films, or screens to windows to make them more visible to birds and reduce collisions.
  • Proper Placement: Position bird feeders and birdbaths either very close (within 3 feet) or far away (over 30 feet) from windows to reduce the likelihood of collisions.
• Controlling Unwanted Species
  • Exclusion: Use netting, wire mesh, or spikes to prevent birds like pigeons or starlings from roosting on buildings or other structures.
  • Habitat Modification: Reduce the attractiveness of your landscape to unwanted species by removing food sources or altering roosting sites.