Ditch The Bird Feeder: Here's A Better Way To Attract Cardinals

Cardinals are an iconic and easily recognizable bird native to a wide range of climates, so it's no surprise they're incredibly popular with backyard bird watchers. If you're a cardinal fan (the bird, not the baseball team), you may have looked into ways to attract these red-feathered friends to your yard. A bird feeder might be an obvious choice — after all, there are a variety of different types of bird feeders that can attract cardinals. But if bird feeders aren't for you, there are other ways to encourage cardinals to visit, like putting their favorite foods directly on the ground or offering access to fresh water and shelter.

Attracting cardinals to your yard doesn't require special equipment. For starters, make sure there isn't anything in your yard that could deter them, like natural predators (i.e. your house cat), moving lawn ornaments, or reflective surfaces. Cardinals, like other birds, are attracted to food, hydration, and shelter. You can offer fruit, seeds, or berry bushes without needing a bird feeder. In addition, landscaping your yard so that it offers shelter, protection, and access to water can encourage cardinals to visit.

Making landscaping choices that look beautiful and fulfill a cardinal's basic needs will make it more likely for the beautiful birds to frequent your yard. Sunflower seeds are one of the cardinal's favorite foods, so a very simple way to attract cardinals is by scattering sunflower seeds in your yard. But one potential drawback is you could also attract squirrels. Another option is to plant sunflowers, safflowers, or other stunning flowers that'll fill your yard and garden with colorful cardinals. The birds will visit for the seeds they love.

Cardinals also love fruit because it's both a food and hydration source. You can leave fruit like apples, blueberries, grapes, or pears on a plate or directly on the ground to attract birds. Before doing so, just be sure to thoroughly wash the fruit and chop it into small pieces so it's easier to eat. Another option is to plant berry bushes, like elderberries, as a seasonal food source. As an added bonus, several types of berry bushes grow low to the ground, so they double as a natural shelter and protection from predators.

Another age-old attraction for cardinals is a birdbath because it offers easy access to fresh water. There are several ways to attract more birds to your birdbath, including keeping the water clean and the basin clear of algae. If birdbaths aren't your style, installing a water feature or running fountain in your yard can provide similar benefits.