Shelter
Once you have created a welcoming setting for birds, the next
step is to provide shelter. Many types of birds nest and rest in
the cavities of dead trees so do not be too swift in removing
a deceased specimen or to chop off a dead branch. Side yard
buffers of dense shrubbery give birds a place to rest and move
about safely. Best of all, pruning less and leaving vegetation in
place after a season ends are great ways to provide additional
spots for birds to forage for seeds and to find nest material in
the spring, so you can relax a little in maintaining your yard.
In addition to natural shelter, many birds love nesting
boxes specifically designed for them. Kiawah boasts a
wonderful system of bluebird houses that are checked and
maintained by a host of resident volunteers under the expert
guidance of Town biologist Aaron Given. Bluebirds generally
prefer fairly open spaces but almost any backyard can be a
good place for a box. Be sure to pay attention to your nest
boxes, cleaning them after birds fledge, and maintaining them
from season to season.
A Few Kiawah Island Backyard Bird Notes
We have a wonderful variety of birds here (over 280) but
you should not expect to see all of them at a backyard
feeder. Frequent visitors include:
•• Cardinals
•• Red-winged blackbirds
•• Chickadees
•• Tufted titmice
•• Carolina wrens
•• Red-bellied woodpeckers
•• Bluejays
•• House finches
Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of your
backyard bird watching:
•• Increase your enjoyment of your backyard show by
getting some good quality binoculars.
•• Keep a good field guide (The Sibley Field Guide to Birds
of Eastern North America by David Allen Sibley, for
example) handy.
•• Refer to the Cornell Lab of ornithology website:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/attractingbirds.
Left: Cardinal. Right: House finch
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Naturally Kiawah