I thought I�d elaborate a bit on my methods for attracting birds to my �townhouse yard�. 20 years back when we were looking to buy a house I looked for the best habitat I could (house didn�t much matter). We ending up finding an area on the hilltop above Old Ellicott City ...as the crow flies. The development is surrounded by mature woodlands and after the development went in many of the edge mature trees died leaving huge snags. Over the years the area between the woods and houses has developed into second growth. When I moved in we had breeding Hooded and Kentucky warblers but they have since disappeared (as they have in many other areas in the county).
http://flic.kr/p/8S1iq1 (view from deck)
I have always had a large range of feeders....usually between 15-20 depending on the season...and have them situated for optimum attractiveness. I group them in feeding stations for similar feeding birds. I have 4 nyjer feeders on one pole and can have counts of 80+ goldfinch in the winter. if Siskins are around I usually get them and have had Redpolls in some years.
I use a large platform in the open (with a mix in winter, Black oil in spring summer) which had attracted up to a half dozen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at a time, and I have had Evening twice.
I also use a hopper with Black-oil which gets a wide variety ...2 �clinger feeders� with black oil for the small birds, 4 suet feeders ad two spilt peanut woodpecker feeders. 5 feeding stations in all.
I have also found water to be very attractive...especially when moving and I use a bird bath dripper. I keep at least one heated birdbath out all winter. Hummer feeder on the deck!
I planted a large butterfly garden...it takes up the entire �back yard� and now I wish I had room for a pond for Odes
Bonnie
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