Bird Habitat, Food Supplies and Water Fountains

---

Many different types of birds—finches, grosbeaks, chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, doves, and many more—will happily visit feeders filled with birdseed.  

Simple bird feeders and seed supplies can be purchased at garden supply stores, feed stores and ‘big box’ stores. 

Consider a storage box to keep insects out of your feed supply! For tips on seasonal food supply needs (summer, winter and fall),  click the image aboe

For tips on where to place bird feeders, click here.  

 Water is a necessity for birds in summer. With the soaring temperatures, it is easy for birds to become dehydrated. Placing a birdbath and cleaning it regularly provides a place for birds to cool off and get a quick drink during blistering summer days. Please make sure to clean your birdbath regularly in summer to avoid the spread of  illness and disease. 

Consider adding a water fountain! Moving water is very enticing to birds, as they prefer it to still water. Whether you choose a mister, a dripper or a fountain is entirely up to you. Plus, motion maintains a clean, insect-free water basin. 

In addition, it's best to keep your bird bath out of direct sunlight so the water doesn't get too hot and undesirable. Placing a bird bath in a sheltered, shady spot can dramatically reduce the evaporation rate of the water so it will not dry out as quickly.

Bird houses can be inexpensively purchased at garden supply stores, feed stores and big box stores. 

If you are the “DYI” type, a Bob Vila article on tips  to build a simple bird house (such as do not use treated lumber as the chemicals can be harmful to birds) click above.   Tips include how to protect against predators.

For a simple 4H plan for a  bird house for wrens, bluebirds or tree swallows, click here. 

Wrens are often seen in Kenner.  For a simple bird house suited to wrens, click here.  

Birds may be found in Chateau Estates according to migratory seasons.  Click the image above to review one list of the  most common birds in Louisiana and their seasonal migration habits.  

An excellent article by LSU Ag Center on habitat click above.  

Although food and water are often provided, shelter and nesting sites should not be overlooked. Difficulty in finding natural shelter near the food and water sources you supply may tempt birds to look elsewhere for a more promising environment. If you can provide a place for birds to nest, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing them frequently at close range and the advantage of allies in the control of insects.

A number of birds will nest in trees in the landscape. 

 Looking for a longer list of plantings? Click here to go to the Audubon Society list of plants suitable for our area such as American Beauty Berry.