Cardinals are one of the most colorful and beautiful birds that can visit your garden or backyard. These red-feathered birds are highly desirable for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Cardinal birds are not only beautiful but they also have a beautiful voice. Their presence in your backyard is sure to bring a cheerful and lively atmosphere. But, how do you attract them to your birdfeeder? In this article, we’ll share with you some tips and tricks on how to attract cardinals to your birdfeeder.
Why Attracting Cardinals to Your Birdfeeder is Important
Attracting cardinals to your birdfeeder is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to diversify the species of birds that visit your backyard. Secondly, having cardinals visit your birdfeeder can be a treat for bird-lovers as they one of the most sought-after birds. Lastly, cardinals are seed-eaters, and having them visit your birdfeeder can help reduce the number of unwanted insects and pests in your garden.
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Birdfeeder
Provide the Right Food
Cardinals love to eat various types of seeds, including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds. Make sure to provide a birdseed mix containing these seeds. Cardinals are also known for their obsession with cornmeal, so adding some to your birdseed mix can attract them as well.
Choose the Right Feeder
Choosing the right feeder can also increase your chances of attracting cardinals. Cardinals prefer flat surfaces, so feeders that have long perches or flat trays can be ideal. A hopper feeder or platform feeder can be a good choice. Pick a feeder that can be easily cleaned and has drainage holes to avoid collecting moisture.
Provide a Water Source
Cardinals also need a source of water to drink and bathe in. A shallow birdbath or fountain can be an excellent choice for them. Make sure to keep the water source clean and fresh.
Plant Cardinal-Friendly Foliage
Cardinals prefer bushes and trees as a source of shelter and nesting material. Planting trees that have dense foliage like evergreens can attract cardinals to visit frequently. Crabapple trees, red cedars, and serviceberry bushes are some examples of cardinal-friendly foliage.
Keep Predators Away
Predators like cats, squirrels, and snakes can scare cardinals and make them hesitant to visit your birdfeeder or garden. Use squirrel baffles to keep squirrels away from the feeder. Avoid using any chemicals, as it can be harmful to birds.
Concluding Thoughts on Attracting Cardinals
Attracting cardinals to your backyard is not an impossible task; you just need to know what they like. In summary, providing the right food, choosing the right feeder, providing a water source, planting cardinal-friendly foliage, and keeping predators away can be your recipe to success. With a little patience and these tips, you may soon find these beautiful birds chirping merrily outside your window.
FAQs about Attracting Cardinals
What is the Best Food to Attract Cardinals?
Cardinals prefer to eat seeds, such as sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds.
What is the Best Feeder to Attract Cardinals?
A hopper feeder or platform feeder is a good choice for attracting cardinals as they prefer flat surfaces.
What Types of Foliage Attract Cardinals?
Cardinals prefer dense foliage like evergreens that provide them a source of shelter and nesting material. Some examples of cardinal-friendly foliage are Crabapple trees, red cedars, and serviceberry bushes.
How Do You Keep Predators Away?
Use squirrel baffles to keep squirrels away from the feeder. Avoid using any chemicals, as it can be harmful to birds.
In conclusion, attracting cardinals to your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right food, feeder, water source, foliage, and keeping predators away, you can create a welcoming environment for them to visit. Remember to be patient, and with a little effort, you may soon find yourself enjoying the presence of these beautiful birds at your doorstep.
