Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: Insights from Gilligallou Bird
Introduction
Welcome to another edition of “All About the House” on 88.1 MYFM your host Brian Turner. Today, we have Bob and Louise from Gilligallou Bird in Almonte, who share their expertise on attracting and caring for birds in your backyard.
The Origin of Gilligallou Bird
Gilligallou Bird, a store founded in 2011, gets its name from a mythical bird in the Paul Bunyan stories. The name resonated with Bob and Louise from their youth, making it a fitting choice for their bird-focused business.
Pandemic and Bird Watching
The pandemic increased interest in bird watching as people spent more time at home. Many discovered the joy of observing birds, leading to a surge in demand for bird feeders and related products. This hobby has proven beneficial for mental health, providing relaxation and a sense of connection with nature.
Benefits of Attracting Birds
Attracting birds to your backyard offers numerous benefits, including insect control and increasing the number of birds in their area. Watching birds can reduce stress and anxiety, making it a therapeutic activity.
Environmental Challenges
Birds face challenges such as habitat loss, light and noise pollution, and pesticide use. Forest fires and severe weather events also impact bird populations. However, birds play a crucial role in ecosystem recovery after such events.
Getting Started with Bird Feeding
To start attracting birds, assess your environment. Consider the size of your yard, presence of squirrels, and the types of birds you want to attract. Black oil sunflower seeds are a great basic seed that attracts a variety of birds. Specialized seeds and feeders can help attract specific species like cardinals and finches.
Quality Seed and Feeders
Using quality seed free from pesticides is crucial. Gilligallou Bird offers blends designed based on bird studies, ensuring fresh and nutritious seed. Proper feeders and placement are also important to prevent issues like mold and to keep squirrels at bay.
Bird Strikes and Window Safety
Bird strikes on windows are a significant problem. To prevent this, place feeders either very close to or far from windows and use decals on the outside of windows to reduce reflections.
Seasonal Changes and Migration
Fall is a peak time for bird migration. Songbirds migrate at night to avoid predators, while hawks migrate during the day using thermal winds. Understanding these patterns can enhance your bird-watching experience.
Conclusion
Attracting birds to your backyard is a rewarding hobby that benefits both you and the environment. By providing quality food and safe habitats, you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of birds while contributing to their conservation. For more tips and high-quality bird feeding products, visit Bob and Louise at Gilligallou Bird in Almonte