2. A Few Backyard Birds Black-capped Chickadee Steller’s Jay Northern Flicker Bewick’s Wren Brown Creeper Song Sparrow American Robin Spotted Towhee Golden-crowned Kinglet
3. And More Backyard Birds Downy WoodpeckerBushtitViolet-green Swallow Dark-eyed JuncoRed-breasted NuthatchAmerican Goldfinch House Sparrow European StarlingAmerican Crow
4. Seattle Common Birds Pied–billed Grebe Downy Woodpecker Double-crested CormorantNorthern Flicker Great Blue HeronSteller’s Jay Canada GooseAmerican Crow GadwallViolet-Green Swallow American WigeonBarn Swallow Mallard Black-capped Chickadee Northern Shoveler Bushtit Green-winged Teal Red-breasted Nuthatch Lesser ScaupBewick’s Wren Bufflehead Golden-crowned Kinglet Bald Eagle American Robin Red-tailed Hawk European Starling California QuailCedar Waxwing American CootCommon Yellowthroat KilldeerSpotted Towhee Ring-billed GullSong Sparrow Glaucous-winged GullRed-winged Blackbird Rock DoveHouse Finch Anna's HummingbirdAmerican Goldfinch* Belted Kingfisher House Sparrow Highlighted in Yellow – Cavity Nester
5. Conservation Birds and You Most urban habitat for birds and other wildlife is located in yards around privately owned homes Rules for a lively yard and garden Stop killing things – 98% of insects are beneficial Stop cleaning up – rock particles + organic matter + soil organisms = healthy organic soil Plant more plants – plant species that grow naturally along with non-invasive ornamental plants Plants for Life Vine Maple, Pacific Dogwood, Salal, Salmonberry, Thimbleberry, Oceanspray, Red Flowering Current, Snowberry, Pacific Bleeding Heart, Evergreen Huckleberry, Sword Fern, Tall Oregon Grape Watch out for these Noxious Plants Hedge Bindweed (Morning Glory), Scot’s Broom, Herb Robert, English Ivy, English Holly, Japanese Knotweed, English Laurel, Himalayan Blackberry, Evergreen Blackberry
6. Conservation Garden Designing for Birds and Wildlife Reverse the usual ratio of lawn to garden, more garden is better! Provide cover, giving wildlife space to hide Add layers to increase diversity (ground cover, shrub, understory, and canopy), connect layers to allow birds to travel up and down through vegetation by minimizing open space between plants Plant with repetition, instead of “one of everything”, try several plants of one species Other Bird and Wildlife friendly ideas Put up species-specific nest boxes for native birds Leave or build rock piles in garden beds for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and other wildlife Put up a bee box for native bees Provide a water source such as a birdbath, pond, or natural water feature
7. Food Birds need insects– don’t kill things Don’t clean up Plant native species Supplement with feeders
8. Shelter Birds need shelter Plant native plants in layers or clumps Density makes the cover more secure Use plants that serve a double duty Brush piles are instant shelter for birds
9. Water Birds need water Standing water is good Moving water is better Flowing water is the best Misters are great for attracting hummingbirds Bird bath locations are important
10. New Nesting Sites Birdhouses – size of the entrance hole and other dimensions of the house determine who will use it Placement of birdhouses Provide nesting materials Leave snags as they provide natural nesting cavities
11. The Value of Birds Be observant andpatient Relax and appreciate nature Listen Learn Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States
