You can attract birds to your backyard by using sound which is quite effective and natural. Birds use sound to communicate and establish territory, so if you want to create a bird-friendly backyard, this would definitely work in your favor.
You can try to identify different sounds made by birds to create a bird-friendly soundscape. There are many such strategies, so let’s get to learn them one by one.
Why is Sound Used to Attract Birds?
Birds communicate or maintain territorial behavior through chirping, calling and singing. Thus, bird sounds play a vital role in attracting them to your backyard. You can create a bird-friendly environment by understanding how to use the bird sounds to call them, as they are naturally attracted to the sound.
They also respond to the sounds of their own species and confront unfamiliar bird sounds. Also, birds have a variety in their sound which is unique based on their personality and preference. So, by deciphering the meaning of these sounds and manipulating them you can invite the birds to your backyard. You can try to mimic the natural bird sound or play the sound through a speaker which would create a genuine environment for the birds.
How to Identify Bird Sounds?
Every bird has a unique sound or call to deliver unique messages. So, here are the tips to identify the bird sound:
Begin with Common Bird Calls
Birds use different calls for different situations, such as alarm calls, mating calls and territorial calls. You have to identify the most common one and record the sound.
Understand the Pattern
There are distinct patterns in the bird’s call; when you listen to it regularly, you will easily recognize it. For some birds, the sound starts with clear notes and then a trill is added, you have to follow it and try to mimic the sound.
Using a Birding App
With the development in technology, several applications are now available which help to identify the bird sound. You simply have to allow the app to identify the bird species and record the sound. The most popular apps are iBirds, Audubon Bird Guide, etc.
Bird songs are complex when compared with bird sounds and they last for a few more minutes. Now, if you want to identify the bird song, then follow these tips:
Try to Understand the Melody
Birds’ songs are quite repetitive and so they last for a few seconds. Thus, you have to listen carefully and try to understand which bird sounds and which is a song.
Notice Variation
When you listen attentively to a bird song, you will find that there is a variation in the song, which involves a change in pitch and tempo. Based on the bird species, you have to identify the variation, so that you can mimic the sound without any hassle.
Practice Everyday
With regular practice, you can easily identify the song patterns for different species of birds. So take out time, listen carefully and try to identify the pitch, tone and tempo every time a bird starts to sing.
How to Create a Bird-Friendly Soundscape?
If you want to create a bird-friendly soundscape, then try to incorporate natural elements that would attract the birds to the backyard. Thus, you can relax and continue your birdwatching without any disturbance.
Before you incorporate the elements you have to decide which species of bird you want to attract as different birds are attracted to different sounds. You can also go for a range of sound techniques to increase the diversification of the bird population in your backyard.
Water Feature
You can as water features in the backyard which would generate the sound of moving water. Install bird baths or fountains to create a bird-friendly soundscape, and it would attract various kinds of birds, which are common in your area. You can also add a shallow area in the bird bath, which is going to attract the ground-dwelling birds. You must also ensure that these water features are cleaned and refilled regularly to prevent infection or spreading disease.
Bird Feeder
You can also add a bird feeder with solid food in it, such as seeds, which creates a noise when birds try to break it into pieces and eat, which attracts other birds as well. Thus, based on the type of bird you want to attract, you have to keep the food items.
Designing a Soundscape
When you are creating a soundscape design, you have to consider the volume and timing, as too much sound can be overwhelming or terrifying for the birds. if you are not using the appropriate sound, then it can deter the birds. so, try to incorporate the natural ebb and flow of sound, or mimic the sound that birds make at dawn and dusk. You need to keep the sound recording free from any human sound or traffic noise. If possible, you can build a barrier between the backyard and the outside world, to maintain the peace of the backyard. Start with planting a line of trees or installing a fence. You can also download bird sounds from the internet and play them throughout the day, creating a relaxing environment for both birds and you.
How to Record Bird Sounds?
If you want to record bird sounds here are the tips that you need to follow:
- You have to choose high-quality recordings so that the bird sounds are captured accurately in their natural habitat.
- You also need to play the appropriate bird sound based on the time of the year, and it should be practiced when the birds are seen in bulk.
- To ensure that the sound travels far, you have to use a good quality speaker and also the volume should be controlled so that the birds do not feel scared.
- If you have to prevent the birds from getting accustomed to the sound, try to rotate it frequently.
- If you want the birds to visit your backyard regularly, then you need to be patient and give the birds some time to become familiar with the sound by playing it every day.
However, these recorded sounds should be an additional tool to all the other elements that you would be using to attract the birds.
What is Bird Sound Therapy?
Bird sound therapy is a technique when the soothing sounds of the birds are used to create a stress-free and natural environment where a bird can relax. It can be used to attract birds and it also works for humans by helping to reduce stress levels, improve mood and promote sleep and relaxation. This therapeutic method also helps to build a connection with nature and also ensures health benefits. Thus, you need to ensure that the soundscape is balanced to get the utmost benefit. It should be a proper mix of natural bird sound and the recordings should have the capability to build a harmonious atmosphere.
How to Maintain a Bird-Friendly Soundscape?
Once you see the idea of attracting birds through audio works, you have to maintain a bird-friendly soundscape. you have to ensure the environmental conditions are safe, positive and welcoming for the birds.
- Provide them with fresh food sources and keep the bird feeder clean. You have to provide a mix of different kinds of seeds or based on the preferred or visiting bird, you have to select the seed and bird feeder type.
- You must also keep options for shelter, such as trees, bushes and birdhouses, which would be safe and comfortable for the bird. You have to keep the surroundings clean and make space for the bird to nest.
- Keep monitoring the audio and adjust it accordingly. you have to be careful about construction in the areas as it can negatively impact the bird’s behavior.
How can you Mimic the Bird Sound?
To mimic the bird sound, you have to learn various techniques, such as whistling and using bird call devices. Also to increase the chances of birds visiting your backyard, you have to learn specific calls and songs of the birds.
