If you struggle to attract lots of birds to your yard, you might want to try the latest hack suggested by experts: dig a bare patch of soil for birds.
It’s one of the most low-maintenance ways to feed birds, specifically ground feeders like American robins, Northern cardinals, sparrows, and more. Simply put, disturbed ground is easier for these winged creatures to forage from for food sources like seeds and earthworms. But, this isn’t the only reason to dig a bare patch of soil for birds, as ornithologists say it can also help keep birds clean.
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Why Dig a Bare Patch of Soil for Birds?
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If you’re looking for new ways to attract birds to the yard beside growing plants for birds and putting out a bird feeder, you can dig a bare patch of soil.
It’s as simple as the fact it exposes the food sources birds cannot otherwise see easily, including fallen seeds and invertebrates (like earthworms and grubs). In particular, this helps ground feeding birds.
‘There are many birds that prefer to forage on bare or nearly bare ground, like doves, dark-eyed juncos, American robins, and many different types of sparrows,’ says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.
‘Having a bare or nearly bare patch of ground allows for birds to forage for insects and seeds in the soil bed that have been exposed,’ she explains.
But, it isn’t the only reason why you should dig a bare patch of soil for birds.
‘An exposed patch of soil can provide a great place for birds to get clean,’ says ornithologist Maren Gimpel.
‘Many species of birds use soil to bathe by fluffing up their feathers and moving their bodies around to shake the fine particles through their feathers,’ she explains.
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This includes American robins, bluebirds, and wrens. Known as ‘dust bathing’, this process removes excess oils, parasites, and debris.
‘Build-up of too much oil can be detrimental, and this is where dust bathing helps,’ adds Maria. ‘They’ll find dry patches of soil, sand, or sometimes even ash, and ‘bathe’ in it, getting the dirt to all their feathers, which binds with the excess oil and is shaken off or removed with further preening, often taking parasites with it,’ she explains.
But, it should be noted, this hack isn’t recommended as a sole way to help birds in the yard.
The most effective approach is combining methods, including putting out a bird feeder (like this squirrel-proof one from Wayfair) and a bird bath (like this one from Amazon), plus growing plenty of native plants for birds.
Maria Kincaid
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Ornithologist
Maria Kincaid is the ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, or as she refers to it, the team ‘bird nerd’. Originally from New Orleans and having lived all over the country, Maria studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University. With a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors, it was easy for her to fall in love with birds, birdwatching, and the science behind it all.
Maren Gimpel
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Ornithologist
Maren Gimpel is Associate Director at Washington College’s Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory where she bands birds for both migratory and breeding studies. A bander since 2002 and a birder for over 25 years, Maren is a North American Banding Council certified bird bander and trainer, and secretary of the Eastern Bird Banding Association.
How to Dig a Bare Patch of Soil for Birds
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This hack doesn’t require you to dig up your whole garden, rather just a small patch.
Simply using essential gardening tools like a hand trowel (from Amazon) or digging shovel (from Walmart) to turn over and disturb a small spot of your garden for birds to find.
‘Your ground doesn’t have to be completely vegetation free, but anywhere from 40-70% clear seems to be a good number,’ says Maria.
‘If there is remaining grass or other plants, make sure they are cut low to the ground, which makes it easier for birds using this patch to keep an eye out for predators,’ she adds.
It can help to choose somewhere quiet where there isn’t a lot of footfall, so the birds have a peaceful spot to visit, just like when deciding where to place a bird bath.
FAQsCan You Put Bird Seed on a Table?
Yes, you can put bird seed on a table for birds to perch on, particularly those that prefer flat surfaces, like American robins and Northern cardinals. Ideally, this should be in an area of the yard that is undisturbed to encourage birds to visit. This works particularly well for larger food sources, for example if you decide to create a bird buffet in your yard.
There are lots of other bird feeder alternatives you can also incorporate in your yard if you aren’t keen to put up such obvious accessories. For example, you can fill your garden borders with natural sources of nectar and berries.
How to Help Birds in Your Yard
This ceramic pedestal bird bath is strong and study to support birds as they bathe and drink. It comes in a range of colors, with a timeless glazed finish.
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
This squirrel-proof green bird feeder has a 4-pound capacity and perches for multiple birds to feed from.
Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Seed
This nut and fruit wild bird seed offers birds a nutrient-rich high-energy food source, specially blended to attract a wide range of garden birds.
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