Here's Why Bird Lovers Should Paint Their Porch Red
Enjoying the sights and sounds of birds outside your home is a great hobby that not only brings joy to your yard but a bit of tranquility. Also, if you garden, birds can help pollinate your plants. When looking to attract birds to your garden, creating a welcoming environment is key. While providing food, water, and shelter are the cornerstones of a successful bird sanctuary, incorporating color strategically can also play an important role, and painting your porch red can help draw them in.
There is a good reason why colors are so inviting to birds. First off, birds perceive colors differently than humans. They have a wider range of color vision, including the ability to see ultraviolet light, which is invisible to us. This means that a bright red flower we see might appear even more vibrant and attractive to a hummingbird searching for nectar. This is because birds have four types of cone cells in their eyes, compared to just three in humans. In addition, they have special oil in each cone cell that acts like a filter, enhancing their color vision.
Red attracts hummingbirds
That being said, it may not be that surprising that hummingbirds are very drawn to the color red. In the wild, this color is often found in nectar-rich flowers and fruits like berries, which are a valuable food source for these birds. Painting your porch red will help attract hummingbirds to your garden since it will offer a whole lot of the color that they seek out. Besides red, they are also drawn to yellow, orange, and pink for their vibrant colors.
If you're not keen on red, other colors besides red can attract other types of birds. Certain colors can hold specific appeal to different bird species based on their natural associations. Orioles tend to like orange and goldfinches, warblers, cardinals are drawn to yellow. Yellow and orange often mimic pollen-rich flowers and consequently attract birds that rely heavily on pollen and nectar for sustenance. Meanwhile, hummingbirds, butterflies, chickadees, and woodpeckers find pink and purple colors particularly alluring. Many nectar-bearing flowers are pink and purple, making them a natural target for these species.
Use color beyond your porch
Besides the color of your porch, think about what is on your porch. Paint the benches, trellises, and planters on your porch red. You can also use accent chairs, bird feeders, and birdbaths. With a red porch, opt for a mix of orange and yellow feeders. Another option is to plant flowers with bright colors that attract birds.
While color can be a helpful tool, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for creating a bird-friendly yard. You always want to provide readily available food sources and offer a variety of seeds, suet, and nectar depending on the bird species you wish to attract. Likewise, always provide a clean and accessible water source. A birdbath with fresh, clean water is vital for birds to drink and bathe. Finally, you can offer safe havens for nesting and shelter by adding nesting boxes, shrubs, and trees to create a sense of security and protection for birds.