Song Birds Are Coming!

The San Francisco Bay area is flush with songbirds, both those just passing through and those that take up permanent residence. It’s easy to make feathered friends in your own backyard. Simply put out some suet, seed or nectar, a water dish or birdbath, and a little birdhouse and soon they will appear. Listen for the arrival of songbirds singing their sweet happy songs as they stop by for a snack and look for a good nesting location. Each bird species has a unique personality and beauty, making it fun to watch their behavior as they interact with each other and the bird feeders. What first may seem like a challenge, soon will become a breeze to identify finches, towhees, jays, hummingbirds, sparrows, juncos and more. It is common to see the same flighty visitors stop by at the same time each year along their migration path just like a good friend stopping over for a visit during their travels. Be sure to pay careful attention to locate feeders where birds are safe from cats. The California Audubon Society is a great place to learn more about birds and their various habitats. www.ca.audubon.org