Create a cardinal haven outside your home with this essential guide.
To supplement the native food sources, Mizejewski recommends feeding in moderation with just one or two feeders.
Having too many feeders can attract unwanted wildlife, spread disease, and cause overcrowding.
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Use a hopper-style feeder with a long perch to accommodate the larger size of a mature cardinal.
Place the feeder where it cannot be easily accessed by house cats who will prey on the cardinals.
As a special treat, choose a specialty bird blend that includes dried fruits and berries.
The most important aspect of installing a bird feeder is regular cleaning and disinfecting between each filling.
Unclean feeders and moldy seeds can become the source of shared diseases.
Ensuring Water Availability
Like all birds, cardinals need water for drinking and bathing.
Thebirdbathshould be no deeper than one to three inches for cardinals, advises Mizejewski.
Empty the water each night and keep the bath as full as possible so it takes longer to freeze.
For locations with extremely cold winters, add an outdoor-rated immersion heater.
They will find a dense shrub or evergreen tree and weave their nest, says Mizejewski.
Limiting pesticides and harmful chemicals in your garden is a good first step to protecting birds.
Cardinals at a feeder are easy prey for a hawk.
Removing the feeder will encourage the hawk to move along to easier hunting grounds.
you could find them on social media and through local libraries.
To learn more about cardinals and attracting them to your yard, visit these websites:
