Garden Birds

Birds and Gardens

Often the best birding experiences are made at our doorstep

Autumn and winter are among the best times to get into birdwatching and your garden or a local park is a good place to begin. During this time of year, many species of birds are looking for consistent food sources and gather around fruit-bearing shrubs, weedy areas, flowering plants, and bird tables. Migration brings birds into our gardens and once the leaves fall and vegetation dies back, it becomes easier to look for look for hidden species. Bird tables and birdfeeders are the busiest from late October to March. This is a good place to get familiar with garden birds that live with us all year, or visit during the winter. 

What Are Garden Birds

Chickadees live in our gardens year-round and are our most frequent birdhouse users

In my definition, garden birds are any species of bird that is commonly found in residential or urban settings that can successfully carry out their lifecycle in a yard or garden. While any species of bird may visit a garden during migration, most garden birds are seen throughout the year, and are familiar  to anyone who spends a little time outside. Gardens may also host woodland, grassland, or wetland species if such habitat is nearby. For instance, neighborhoods with mature hardwood trees or a forest tract may host forest species, while homes that back up to saltmarshes might have wading birds, and sandpipers. In the end, a garden bird can be any bird that breeds, or overwinters in a residential area rather than visiting briefly during migration or as a stray. 

Some of the birds that I consider garden inhabitants include familiar species like Carolina Chickadees, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, and in the summer American Robins, as well as more overlooked species like Carolina Wrens, Blue Grey Gnatcatchers, or the Pine Warbler. Most gardens host at least 15 species of birds, while a well planted property in a wooded community might host 70 or more bird species throughout the year. 

Birdwatching at Home 

Cardinals are easily overlooked, seeing the first cardinal is an unforgettable moment

Your garden is the best place to begin birding and even before you get a birdfeeder or put up a bluebird house, you find at least a few types of birds. On a casual walk to the front lawn you may see mockingbirds, or robins feeding on a summer morning, Turkey Vultures soaring overhead, or catch a Cooper's Hawk or other sparrowhawk as he/she goes after some sparrows. Even listening to the sounds while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on a porch can be rewarding. Before trying to learn all of the calls and songs, just listen to the chorus. You may hear whistles, chants, cawing, or even an strange noise like a squeaky hinge, or a barking dog. 

Most people know what a cardinal looks like and it is the state bird of North Carolina, Virginia, and many other states. However, I found that many people did not know they have cardinals living in their gardens until someone pointed it out or they put out a birdfeeder for the first time. That was certainly the moment that I got hooked into birdwatching when I was a teenager. That along with seeing Mallards and Wood Ducks at Greenfield Lake, and admiring photos of Painted or Indigo Buntings, Blue Jays, and all of those South Texas specialities (the Green Jay especially). After seeing the first male cardinal, you quickly learn that these birds seem to come out of the woodwork and are responsible for the loud whistling songs that heard during the spring and summer months. 

You also hear another loud chanting sound from the hedge that sounds like "Teacher Teacher Teacher" or "Tea Kettle Tea Kettle Tea Kettle". You may think a bird with such a loud voice has to be something large. Instead you see little orange bird that is just over six inches (15cm) long. Later you may find out that the same bird is nesting your mailbox or a Boston Fern hanging on your porch.  One of two of these birds also follow you as you around as you dig in the garden, rake leaves, or mow the lawn (looking for insects disturbed by gardening). That bird is a Carolina Wren and is one of the loudest birds in our area and is much more colorful than other birds it's size.  

Adult Carolina Wren

A domed nest in a greenhouse or shed is the work of a wren

Later on, you get excited about identifying dozens of bird in the area only to find it coming from that mockingbird that lives next door. Grey Catbirds also make sounds from other birds as does the Yellow Breasted Chat. While these birds and their mimickry skills bring new birdwatchers down to Earth and it can be disappointing that the beautiful Hermit Thrush song, or the sound of a Red Tailed Hawk was only a mockingbird or chat, it is amazing feat for one bird can make all of these sounds. 

Mockingbird (right) are ubiquitous in cities and villages, Red Bellied Woodpeckers (left) are the most likely woodpecker to come to your birdfeeder.

Seeing your first woodpecker is exciting and it is hard to miss the Pileated Woodpecker (i.e. Woody Woodpecker) when one lands on a tree or fallen log. While many think woodpeckers are only found in forests and wilderness areas, that this giant woodpecker and the smaller Red Bellied and Downy/Hairy Woodpeckers all live in suburbs, towns, and parks and might even stop at a birdfeeder. 

Within a few months you may be able to identify many of the garden-dwelling birds, as well as a few woodland birds, and waterbirds. I am sure most people can already recongize a Mallard, Canada Goose, or Great Blue Heron when they see one. 

You do not need to travel to a wilderness area, or go on a birding trip to identify birds. Many of our birds can be seen right from the comfort of your own home or at a city or town park. Without any improvements, your garden may already host dozens of birds . Some birds are only seen during the summer as is the case with the Yellow Throated Warblers, and Ruby Throated Hummingbird (although more hummingbirds are overwintering). Others like the handsome White Crowned and White Throated Sparrows that patronize our bird tables or clean up what the nuthatches or chickadees throw out visit during the winter after leaving their breeding grounds in the Boreal Forests of Canada. Migration brings a mixed bag of familiar faces from both seasons as well as birds heading on holiday in the tropics (including many warbler, vireo, and flycatcher species). While the spring and autumn migration cycles serve as a shift change for birds, the cardinals, wrens, chickadees, and mockingbirds aren't going anywhere nor are the woodpeckers, and bluebirds. 

Another unforgettable bird that likely lives just around the corner, Pileated Woodpecker

Where to Look

A back garden with a birdhouse for bluebirds  

Birdwatching in the garden can be an easy place to learn common species, as well as catch glimpses of migrating species. You will also get introduced to other animals such as Grey or Fox Squirrels, Green Anole lizards, Two-Spotted Bumblebees or Eastern Carpenter Bees (both docile and beneficial like the Honeybee), and several types of butterflies.  You can find birds almost anywhere although our first encounters are usually on the lawn, or at a newly placed feeder. Try looking beyond the confines of the window as you will certainly come across some interesting finds. A basic pair of binoculars can go a long way when looking for birds or trying to identify the hawk or vultures soaring in the distance. 

Feeders

A bird table in the front garden of the same house

A typical bird table setup can host anywhere from 10-30 species of birds depending on what type of food is offered and where it is located. Even feeders located near the house can bring birds into view and allow for you to observe their antics and behaviors. Cardinals or Carolina Chickadees are usually the first birds to find a new feeder, although in urban settings, House Sparrows might come within hours if they are accustomed to people. After a few visits, other birds begin to arrive with nuthatches, finches, Blue Jays, and Red Bellied Woodpeckers becoming acclimated in short order, while some fortunate or unfortunate residents might end up hosting Red Winged Blackbirds, grackles, or cowbirds, especially if they are living in the countryside or happen to be next to a feedlot, landfill, or a city park where people feed geese. Regardless of who is visiting, you can get a good look at any bird that visits a feeder. 

Look For: Chickadees, titmice, Brown Headed or White Breasted Nuthatches, Downy, or Red Bellied Woodpeckers, cardinals, Goldfinches, House Finches, Blue Jay, White Throated/Crowned Sparrows, and House Sparrows. You may also see flocks of Redwings or Common Grackles during the winter months. 

Also Look For: Indigo or Painted Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Pine Warbler, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, and if nectar is served Ruby Throated or Rufous Hummingbirds. 

Trees

Oaks can bring many types of birds including Blue Jays and woodpeckers

The majority of garden birds naturally inhabit woodlands, or forest habitats. While all birds use trees at some point in their lives, there are several birds that live their lives in the canopy. These birds are often overlooked by birdfeeder watchers, and casual gardeners. Away from the feeders, chickadees, titmice, and finches perch, or feed in deciduous or coniferous trees, while woodpeckers and nuthatches forage for insects on trunks and limbs. A good number of birds also nest in trees including Summer Tanagers, Baltimore/Orchard Orioles, American Robins, and many warbler and flycatcher species. Deciduous trees have the benefit of losing their leaves in the autumn, making it easier to see who is there. Autumn and winter are a good time to learn the woodpeckers, nuthatches, corvids, and small woodland birds. We also have a few warblers that stay for the winter, giving newbies an opportunity to test the waters on identifying similar looking birds. Trees with fruits, or nuts can attract flocks of birds during the autumn and winter. Wintering American Robin, Common Starlings (not the same birds that nest in the spring/summer), and Cedar Waxwings flock to hollies and cherry laurels by the thousands, while Blue Jays, Red Headed Woodpeckers, and Common Crows gather at oaks, hickories, and beeches to stockpile nuts. The types of trees in you area can determine what birds might be nearby. 

Oaks, Beeches, and Hickories (nut trees): Blue Jay, Common Crow, Red Headed or Red Bellied Woodpecker, White Breasted Nuthatch, and various nesting songbirds. Pecan Hickory, American Beech, Live Oak, and White Oak are goldmines for nut-eating birds  

Hardwoods (other species): Essential habitat for breeding or visiting vireos, most warblers, or flycatchers, as well as Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanager, and White Breasted Nuthatch. Groves of hardwoods may host Wood Thrushes, Downy/Hairy Woodpeckers, Yellow Throated Warblers, and other deciduous forest inhabitants, even in an urban neighborhood or park.   

Pines: Almost anything, although Longleaf, Shortleaf, and Loblolly Pines are important trees for Pine Warblers, Brown Headed Nuthatches, Siskins and House Finches. White Pine in Appalachia may be used by Red Breasted Nuthatches or Red Crossbills.

Other Conifers: In our area that would be Red Cedar, White Cedar, or Common Juniper as well as a number of ornamental evergreens. Junipers and cedars loved by kinglets, chickadees, and Yellow Rumped Warblers. Also a popular nest tree for cardinals, mockingbirds, and House Finches. 

Fruit Trees (any species): Look for American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Common Starlings or Red Winged Blackbirds/Common Grackles by the hundreds or thousands. Mulberries, Black Cherry, and other summer fruits may attract Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanagers, Mockingbirds, and Brown Thrashers. Southern Magnolias and Hackberries become inundated with Red Eyed Vireos, thrushes, Grey Catbirds, and Starlings from September to November.

Shrubs, Thickets, and Hedges 

Thrashers nest, and shelter in hedgerows and copses but come to feeders 

The majority of garden birds live in low vegetation such as dense bushes, hedges, or in coppices (thickets formed by brushcutting, tree falls, or timber harvesting). In the garden, shrubs are where cardinals, wrens, sparrows, and mockingbirds disappear after they leave the bird table, or take a break from singing. As with trees, shrubs come in different shapes, sizes, and can be deciduous or evergreen. Evergreens including Asian Azalea species, camellia, hollies, and gardenias are among the most valuable nest sites in any garden (even if it could be improved with native plants). Flowering shrubs attract warblers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds during spring migration, while fruits bring birds from late summer through winter. I would say that hedgerows, brambles, and dense clumps of shrubs away from the house are the most valuable asset in any bird friendly garden. 

Foundation Plantings: Loved by cardinals, mockingbirds, Carolina or Winter Wrens, and resting feeder birds like chickadees or titmice. Mockingbirds and cardinals often nest right next to houses, as do Song Sparrows. 

Hedges (manicured): Cardinals, House Sparrows, and wintering White Throated/Crowned Sparrows often congregate in hedges of boxwood, privet, holly, camellias, or azaleas between feeding seasons. Winter flowering camellia is a boon for Ruby Crowned or Golden Crowned Kinglets, Orange Crowned Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, and hummingbirds looking for nectar or insects. Many birds nest in hedges along property borders. 

Hedgerows and Woodlots: Hedgerows and other shrubby or woodland like borders can host as many birds as a woodlot or small park. This is where Brown Thrashers, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows, and Mourning Doves nest, and is also the preferred place that cardinals, other sparrows, and just about any bird imaginable feeds or shelters. Look for overlooked birds like Yellow Billed Cuckoos, White Eyed Vireo, or the Wood Thrush in a hedgerow or wooded border. 

Coppice: Copses and dense clumps of brambles and saplings are loved by thrashers, catbirds, mockingbirds, sparrows, and cardinals. This is also where Yellow Breasted Chats, Eastern Towhees, and if you are lucky to have them Bobwhites live. Copses, hedgerows, and windbreaks host more migrating warblers and other songbirds than forested areas.  

Other Locations 

A Bald Eagle, a reason to keep your eyes to the skies. 

 

Overhead: Look for soaring Turkey Vultures, Red Tailed or Shouldered Hawks, or passing crows, Peregrines and Kestrels. Also look for Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, Purple Martins, and Chimney Swifts during the summer months. Don't forget about other flyovers like geese, swans, herons, flocks of blackbirds or starlings, and if you got  good eyes the smaller songbirds. 

Lawn: Look for Mockingbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, American Robins, Chipping Sparrows, and White Ibis on lawns, mown fields, and sporting areas. Large grassy areas may host Horned Larks, Meadowlarks, Killdeer Plovers, or sandpipers. Birds such as Song, White Crowned or Throated Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, Brown Thrashers, and Wood Thrushes (or Hermit Thrushes in winter) feed on grassy areas within reach of shrubs. 

Flowerbeds and Vegetable Gardens: A surprising number of birds use herbaceous plantings for habitat. Chickadees, House Wrens, and many of the sparrow species (esp Field, Song, White Crowed/Throated, and Savannah) prefer flowerbeds, or weeds over shrubs or mown fields. A handful of birds may also nest in flowerbeds or on the edges of lawns. Common Yellowthroat, Song/Field Sparrow, and Mourning Doves may nest on or near the ground. Flowering plants and insects bring everything from hummingbirds, to cardinals to a garden.   

Hummingbirds often visit the flowers of salvia, fuchsia, and herbiscus 

Powerlines or Poles: Mourning Doves, swallows or martins, mockingbirds, bluebirds, Eastern Kingbirds, and Eastern Phoebes often perch on powerlines. This is also where Red Tailed/Shouldered Hawks, Kestrels, and Harriers perch when they are hunting. Monk Parakeets often nest within transformers or power stations, while Red Headed Woodpeckers make nests in power poles. 

Buildings: Some birds like to shelter, or nest on or in manmade structures. Chimney Swifts nest in chimneys or shafts, Barn Swallows nest under eaves, and House Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, or Crested Flycatchers use nooks and crannies. Other birds like chickadees, titmice, House Finches, bluebirds, starlings, and even certain owls (namely Barn Owls) may nest on or in buildings. Outside of nesting, small birds like Winter Wrens, Treecreepers, or even White Throated Sparrows may find shelter in a porch or outbuilding. Stonewalls and masonry structures also provide good habitats for small birds (also the case with ancient walls and ruins in Britain and Europe).  

Water: Retention ponds, creeks, and even the sea can bring birds that are not normally in gardens into view. In the Cape Fear Region, many retention ponds become loaded with ducks, geese, cormorants, and grebes during the winter. Wading birds like herons, ibis, and storks also make visits to ponds. Other wetlands may host other surprises like one of the many chickenlike birds that are called rails or crakes, fish hunting birds like Osprey or Bald Eagles, or kingfishers, and other stuff. If nothing else, there are guaranteed to be Canada Geese, and at least a few wild or domesticated ducks to identify (especially if people come to feed the birds).