Reuse Two Common Kitchen Scraps To Attract More Birds To Your Yard Or Garden

Bird watching isn't just for the older generations, and it's certainly not a mile marker that tells everyone you're heading into old age. In fact, finding ways to attract more birds to your yard and enjoying the various species is a popular hobby that can be really rewarding. While high-tech bird cameras and state-of-the-art feeders are certainly useful tools of the trade, there's one fairly inexpensive trick you might want to try to encourage more flying friends to visit. Adding scraps of pears and apples to your feeding stations will make your yard more attractive to a variety of species, as well as providing them with excellent sources of nutrition, hydration, and energy. If you're having trouble convincing birds to come by for a bite, this fruit addition could be the answer to your empty feeders.

It can be tricky for birds to find enough food, which is why giving them nourishing fruits will continue to bring them back. Birds who like apples and pears include robins, thrushes, woodpeckers, waxwings, and a few other species. These treats offer sources of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, helping with digestion and overall nutrient count. Not only are these the best foods to keep your feathered friends happy in the winter, but these fruits are great for summer, too!

Who knew a tasty item from your fruit bowl could turn your garden into a gathering spot? Before giving your outdoor birds these fruits, it may be helpful to remove the seeds, as they contain very minimal traces of cyanide (while this isn't harmful in small amounts, it just gives peace of mind). Slice up the fruits into small portions so that each piece is easier for your feathered friends and their young to eat. Some species prefer bruised fruits over the fresher counterparts, so hold on to scraps rather than tossing them. However, be sure to remove any pieces before they rot or grow mold, which can be detrimental.

You may need to vary how you feed your feathery friends — some larger species may not eat from feeders, so you can also leave fruits on the ground or a stool, table, or bench. Because of how sweet and sugary fruit is, it's important to change out bird feeders and clean off surfaces regularly. Once the birds have eaten, wipe down any areas with warm water to remove sticky debris. The sugar will attract bugs like ants on surfaces, which you definitely don't want around your home. Keep in mind that animals like squirrels will also try to eat what you put out, so always remove any leftover treats your birds didn't eat.