In the state of Connecticut, there are a variety of wild bird species. We’ll look at some of the most frequent and well-liked Connecticut birds, particularly those that may be found locally, in this article. Certain of these species are migratory and spend just part of the year in Connecticut, while others are permanent residents. So, let’s learn a little about each of Connecticut’s 25 backyard birds.
I’ll then demonstrate you how to attract them to your property, provide you a crash course in the 10 distinct types of bird feeders available to do so, and even recommend a few birdwatching organizations in Connecticut.
How many different species of wild birds are in Connecticut?
It’s impossible to say precisely how many bird species may be discovered in North America, the United States, or even Connecticut. The official state list, however, contains 446 species, according to Wikipedia.
According to one source, North America has 2,059 species; according to another, it has 914. As a result, I’m unsure how reliable these numbers are, but they do provide a rough estimate of the number of species.
We’re going to take a look at some of our favorite Connecticut backyard creatures for the purposes of this article.
25 BACKYARD BIRDS IN CONNECTICUT
In Connecticut, there are 25 different species of backyard birds, some of which are year-round inhabitants and others that aren’t. These are some of Connecticut’s most well-known and instantly recognized backyard birds, many of which can be observed at your bird feeders. They aren’t all the species in the state, or even close to it. Let’s get started right away!
1. NORTHERN CARDINAL
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
Among the most recognized and widespread backyard birds in North America are Northern Cardinals. Females have duller colors and are more pale brown with some reddish coloring, while males have bright red feathers and a black mask. The mohawks and reddish orange beaks of both sexes are very distinctive.
Year-round, Connecticut is home to the Northern Cardinals.
Most seed feeders will be visited by Cardinals, who will offer them a combination of black sunflower seeds and other seed.
2. TUFTED TITMOUSE
Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in
Within their range, these little birds are quite frequent at feeders and backyards. Like Cardinals, they have a tiny crest (mohawk) that distinguishes them from other birds. Titmice have a black patch just above their beaks and are silver-gray on top and lighter on bottom.
Throughout Connecticut, the Tufted Titmouse may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer them a variety of seed mixes and black sunflower seeds.
3. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in
Because of their “black cap” and black bib, chickadees are tiny little birds with rounded bodies that are extremely easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, and their cheeks are solid white. Their wings and backs are blackish gray.
They’re often seen darting back and forth from a feeder to cover and then return for more, which is why they’re so popular at birdfeeders. Chickadees, for their size, are often one of the first birds I notice visiting a new feeder in my yard.
Year-round, you may see black-capped chickadees in Connecticut.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds and mixed seed blends.
4. BLUE JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
In North America and the United States, another very well-known bird species is the cedar Waxwing. The Blue Jay is the name of the bird. Their backs and bellies are covered in mostly blue feathers, while their crest is a huge blue crest on top of their heads. Black stripes run along their wings and tail. They also have a necklace-like black ring around their necks. They emit a variety of loud, metallic clangs and are frequently among the first birds to notify all others in the region of a predator such as a hawk.
Another year-round resident of Connecticut is the Blue Jays. Backyards and feeders are both common places for them.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are especially popular with Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are all available to them.
5. EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia sialis
Length: 6.3-8.3 in
Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in
Bluebirds have a royal blue head with a rusty reddish-orange belly and white underside. They resemble their name. The colors of females and males are identical, although the females’ colors, particularly the blues, appear duller and faded. In the United States, they are perhaps the most desired occupants of birdhouses. The bluebird house business is booming as a result of this. In the backyards, they’re common, but not as common as feeders. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse on Amazon, so put up a birdhouse and see if you can do the same.
Connecticut is home to the Eastern Bluebird all year.
Seed-eating bluebirds may be tempted to taste feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish, but they aren’t always interested.
6. SONG SPARROW
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
The back and wings of these sparrows are generally brown, with heavy brown streaks on a white breast that may end in a central brown patch. The plumage of song Sparrows varies somewhat across the country and they are very frequent in most areas. In addition to attracting females, the male of this species employs his song to defend his territory.
All year, Connecticut has Song Sparrows.
Song Sparrows will eat mixed seeds and sunflower seeds from bird feeders from time to time.
7. AMERICAN ROBIN
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Robins are a common sight in backyards (and Connecticut’s state bird) because they hop around looking for worms and other invertebrates to devour. They do not eat seeds and will occasionally visit bird feeders. They’re easy to spot due to their bright red, spherical bellies and yellow beaks. They retreat to the woods during the winter and only return to yards in the spring in many places. This creates the perception that they are leaving the state, even though they frequently remain through the winter.
Robins stay in Connecticut all year.
Meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath are all good ways to attract American Robins to bird feeders.
8. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Mourning Doves, which are about the size of a robin, are common in backyards and often sit perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees. A frequent backyard noise is their soft “cooing.” They’re usually seen wandering around on the ground, rather than on my tray feeder. Gray with black markings on top, a light peachy hue below, and pink legs, Mourning Doves are mostly gray.
Throughout the whole state of Connecticut, Mourning Doves may be found year round.
Seed feeders are often visited by doves, although they prefer to search the ground for fallen seeds. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or try a ground feeder using a mix of seed.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, a hundred starlings were released in New York, and they have since colonized the United States. They attack feeders, destroying other birds’ nests and killing their offspring. They will even overtake you as you put out food for others. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly black with white flecks on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may also be a purple and green iridescent color that is quite lovely.
Sadly, this invasive species can be found in every state in the US, including Connecticut.
Almost anything can be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not try to attract them since they are an invasive species and will regardless appear.
10. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, seeing goldfinches at feeders is one of my favorite activities, especially when they’re wearing their bright yellow feathers. Their wings are black-tipped and males have a black hat on top of their heads during this time, and they are mostly yellow or “gold.” Their bright yellow color will fade out to a more dull brownish or olive tone during the winter. The black on their wings and beak makes them easy to recognize at any time of year.
Throughout Connecticut, goldfinches may be found all year.
Thistle feeders are preferred by goldfinches, although they will also eat sunflower chips provided they are offered.
11. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
In the eastern United States, Juncos They have a black head, chest, back, wings, and tail. The slate-colored variety is what it’s called. They are completely white from their belly all the way down to their tail. Females may range in color from gray to buffy brown. The pale pink beak and spherical form of the junco are two important features to notice when identifying them. These can be found hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded regions.
During the winter, Connecticut’s dark-eyed Juncos may be found all across the state, and in more northern areas of the state, they may stay year-round.
Juncos will occasionally visit feeders, but they primarily prefer to eat seed that other birds have dropped on the ground beneath your feeders. Mixed seeds are what they prefer.
12. GRAY CATBIRD
Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis
Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
Catbirds are small birds with a black head and a long tail. They have dark slate gray coloring all over. A rusty red patch underneath their tails is frequently unseen and goes unnoticed. Native fruit-bearing trees and bushes are a magnet for cats, so keep them fed with fruit. Their cries sound like that of a meowing cat, thus they are known as catbird.
During the summer, Gray Catbirds may be found all over Connecticut, and in some areas near the shore, they may stay all year.
Catbirds may be attracted to you if you offer some sweet fruits, berries, and other delights, but they prefer to forage on the ground or in bushes for food.
13. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In Connecticut, the House Finch is a frequent backyard bird. They are not as despised as other invasive birds like House Sparrows or European Starlings, even though they are invasive in the eastern United States. They may gather in huge flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is rather simple to do. Females lack any red coloration, while males are mostly streaked brown in color with a little red on the head and chest. Unfortunately, due to the risk of transmissible eye disease, feeders may be prone to it.
Throughout Connecticut, House Finches are present all year.
House Finches are fond of thistle feeders, as are other finches. They’re more common than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so provide them with some black sunflower seeds.
14. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Male Red-winged Blackbirds are easily recognized due to their red and yellow “shoulders” that stand out against their black plumage, making them the most common bird in North America. Yet, the females of this species are brown with light streaks and have a significantly different appearance. Males may have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, making them a polygynous species. Unfortunately, in flocks, they may appear at feeders and devour seed quickly.
Connecticut is home to Red-winged Blackbirds, who may be seen all year.
Most types of feeders are visited by Red-winged Blackbirds, who will also eat seed and suet.
15. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
The summer is when chiping sparrows have their most clean feathers, with a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaked wings, a rusty red crown with white above, and a black line through the eye. Their patterns may take on a more muddled appearance during the winter and gain a buffy-brown tint. Sparrows that feed on open ground are a common sight.
Only during the spring and summer breeding season are Chipping Sparrows found across Connecticut.
At outdoor feeders, Chipping Sparrows are frequently found collecting spilled grains on the ground. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, will attract them.
16. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
These common backyard birds like to feed at bird feeders and are often seen. They’re one of the first species I notice at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their crimson spot on the rear of their heads (in males, females have no red) and their completely white underbodies, black wings with white markings, black and white striped skulls make them easy to recognize. Despite their outward resemblance to the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy’s are substantially smaller than other Connecticut woodpeckers.
All year around Connecticut, you may see the Downy Woodpeckers.
With most kinds of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are plentiful. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are good choices.
17. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
In the eastern United States, these medium-sized woodpeckers are common feeders and backyards. The bright red stripe down the back of their heads is what you initially notice, despite the fact that they’re labeled as “red-bellied.” They have a simple white break with a pinkish red patch lower down in their “belly” region, which is sometimes not seen. The white and black striping on their wings makes them easily identifiable.
In Connecticut, red-bellied woodpeckers are found year round.
While they may occasionally eat at seed feeders, especially if peanuts are available, attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers with a suet feeder.
18. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also quite lovely in the right light with their iridescent feathers, despite the fact that they belong to the bully bird family like the starling does. They’re commonly black in color, although you can see blue, green, brown, and purple hues in direct light. Grackles may roost alongside other blackbird species and form enormous flocks of millions of birds. The solid color, long, thin body, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to identify.
All year round, grackles may be found across Connecticut.
Grackles are often considered pests because they are foragers and will eat almost anything.
19.WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
The name “white-breasted nuthatch” refers to the fact that they stuff nuts and seeds beneath tree bark, then use their sharp beaks to crack the seed from the shell. In addition, these birds are better than most other species at walking vertically on trees. White-breasted Nuthatches have a black stripe on top of their heads, white on either side of their bodies, and black on their bellies. Gray and black are the primary colors of their wings.
White-breasted Nuthatches, which are common household birds, can be found all year in Connecticut.
White-breasted Nuthatches, which are common backyard birds, can be found throughout Connecticut all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who provide black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet to the birds. They like to grab a seed and fly away, hiding it in a nearby tree or eating it right away.
20. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often viewed as pests. You can legally trap and humanely kill a variety of animals, including starlings. They were brought to New York in the 1800s and have since spread across the United States like wildfire, much like starlings. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are generally brown in color. They aggressively attack other birds, especially those around nests.
Connecticut is home to a variety of house Sparrows.
House Sparrows, like the European Starling, are a invasive species that poses a danger to native birds. They can devour almost anything.
21. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Length: 6.3-7.1 in
Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in
White-throated Sparrows are exclusively winter birds in most of the nation, however they may be found throughout the year in Connecticut. Their prominent facial pattern of black and white stripe with yellow dots between the eyes, as well as their white throat patch, makes them easier to identify among sparrows. Females prefer to nest in secluded parts of heavy brush and greenery, typically on or just above the ground.
Year-round in Connecticut, white-throated sparrows may be seen, although they seem to be more numerous during the winter.
Feeders are popular with white-throated sparrows, who prefer to collect fallen seed below feeders. Sunflower, millet, and mixed seed blends are available.
22. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common kind of hummingbird in the United States, despite their relative rarity in the east. They’re also the only hummers in the Eastern United States that breed. The name comes from the fact that males have a bright crimson neck. On their backs, wings, and heads, Ruby-throated hummers are emerald-green with white underparts. The red throat feathers are missing from the females.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only type of hummingbird that can be found in Connecticut, however other types may pass through the state. From spring to fall, they can be found all over the state.
If you set up nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are virtually ubiquitous in residential yards, and this should be done in March or April.
23. RED-EYED VIREO
One of the most common eastern US birds is the red-eyed Vireo. Summertime birds are common. They travel to the United States after spending winters in South America. During the breeding season, they are protected. Their backs and tails are a lighter olive color, with a lighter breast and belly. Their eye has a black streak, and their eyebrows are white. Their head is black. While it might be difficult to observe and their eye seems black in the dims, they have a crimson eye-ring.
They aren’t frequently seen unless you are looking for them, despite how common they are. They don’t descend from the trees very often, therefore. Watch your yard’s trees for signs of trouble. The Red-eye Vireo has been seen moving around high up near the top of the tree on many occasions, and I’ve been able to see it with binoculars. In addition, listen for their song and calls, since these vireos are recognized for “talking” all day. Once you learn to recognize them, you’ll likely start hearing them everywhere in the summer.
In the spring and summer, you can see red-eyed Vireos throughout Connecticut.
While in the United States, red-eyed Vireos eat mostly insects. Avoid bird feeders throughout the summer. Native deciduous trees and insect-friendly vegetation, on the other hand, can entice them to your yard.
24. HOUSE WREN
Scientific name: Troglodytes aeon
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9 in
A small brown bird with a loud voice, the House Wren is a tiny bird. These birds are widespread in the United States, and they’ll nest in just about any tiny hole they can find, including shoelaces or discarded cans. Birds will at least check out your birdhouse, if not choose to utilize it. These are the birds that have nested in my birdhouses the most often. House Wrens have a drab color and a tiny size, making them easy to overlook as they zip around through the bushes on your property catching insects. Their wings and tail feature black barring, which is opposite to the rest of their body.
Only throughout the spring and summer months do House Wrens may be found across Connecticut.
House Wrens are insectivorous and spiderivorous, so they aren’t likely to stop by a bird feeding station. Insect-supporting plants or a bird house, on the other hand, are likely to draw them.
25. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
In the United States, these medium to big woodpeckers are widespread in gardens, although not internationally common at feeders. They are, in my judgment, some of North America’s most beautiful birds. Flickers prefer to search for insects on the ground rather than trees, unlike other woodpeckers. The black dots on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings serve as a quick identifier. A black mustache appears on males. The “yellow-shafted” variety of Connecticut is distinguished by its bright yellow tail and wings feathers, as well as the underside of their wings.
Every year, Northern Flickers can be found in Connecticut.
A suet feeder is visited by Northern Flickers on occasion, but they usually find food on their own. If you have a bird bath outdoors, they will certainly stop by.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Are you interested in bringing some of these birds to your yard? Starting with the most obvious, here are five easy ways to save money.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the best and simplest technique to attract birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good options to get started. For additional ideas, see the sections below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You may use a terra cotta flower pot saucer, like this one, or something similar to create a pedestal birdbath like the one on Amazon. Birds need water not only to clean themselves in, but also to drink, so adding a water feature to your yard will significantly increase your bird-attracting potential. Also, since moving water attracts the birds to the area even more, consider installing a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the appropriate spot at the proper time of year, many bird species will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds to attract to birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds were inspecting this birdhouse in my yard the day I put it up, and they were there for almost an hour.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Birds need trees, shrubbery, and bushes that they can dart back and forth to when they sense danger. Make sure your yard has them. Predators are mostly kept at bay by this. Do your best to include some landscaping features that will allow birds to view your yard as safe if your yard is in a new subdivision with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will only help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds that consume them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants support caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and support nesting birds. Native plants that promote a healthy ecosystem should be avoided, as should invasive and non-native plants.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of 10 people, these are the most popular bird feeding devices.
- The term “hopper feeder” refers to a device that has a hopper in the center, which stores the birdseed. Perches are provided on either side for birds to land on and eat from. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and have a cover. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is one of my favorite hopper feeders, and it’s squirrel-proof.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They’re also known as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up, and they work well for feeding most types of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, despite the fact that they are completely open. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. At the moment, I’m having fun with my back yard platform feeder.
- Clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders are known as tube feeders. They may hold from a few handles of seed to 5 pounds or more. They’re terrific since they allow you to seed easily when it’s needed, while also keeping your seed fresh and dry. Tube feeders are used by several species of birds. Tube feeders can accommodate black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This squirrel-proof tube feeder is among the best on the market, and Squirrel Buster makes some of the best.
- Suet feeders are designed for one kind of bird food: suet cakes. They are a very basic idea, typically constructed of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for larger birds and occasionally with a ring around the edge. Suet feeders are common during the winter season, when woodpeckers come to visit and birds are seeking high-fat foods. I recommend using a suet feeder with a long tail to catch larger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Suction cup window feeders are small bird feeders that attach to a glass window by suction cups. They’re open on top and you simply pour seed into the tray section to refill them, similar to tray feeders. These feeders are ideal for people with small yards because they are well-liked by a variety of species, are simple to use, and attract birds. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a blend of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most popular bird feeder on Amazon, and maybe on Amazon as a whole.
- Thistle feeders, also known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed especially for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders have tiny holes all along the tubesides, allowing birds to pick thistle out of the feeders. Thistle feeders are often in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are essentially tray feeders that sit on the ground. Birds like Mourning Doves, Juncos, and squirrels will all enjoy them, as will ground animals such as raccoons and squirrels. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder might appeal to you.
- Another kind of specialized feeder for just one species of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. The feeder is frequently orange in hue and contains little plastic or glass dishes that orioles adore, which they consume. Another food that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which you may put on the feeder. Here’s an easy oriole feeder that can hold four orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders are specialized for hummingbirds to capture sugar water. They’re also known as hummingbird feeders or nectar feeders. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at my feeders who also enjoys that sweet nectar, despite the fact that they are meant for hummingbirds. For instructions on how to create hummingbird nectar without boiling the water, see this page. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they are so cheap and easy to use.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and typically made of metal wire mesh material, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the wires in the wire mesh are only separated by a few centimeters. These feeders should be filled with peanuts and attract birds such as Blue Jays. The Squirrel Buster squirrel feeder is the best bet if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanuts. This simple one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN CONNECTICUT
If you want to expand your birding experience beyond your own front yard, Connecticut is a great state to visit. If you want to get more involved, the Connecticut Audubon Society hosts meetups, workshops, field trips, and birding tours.
Take a look at this list I’ve put together of popular birding spots in Connecticut if you’re a Connecticut resident who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
CONNECTICUT BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
- Quinnipiac River Marsh
- Naugatuck State Forest
- Topsmead State Forest
- Stratford Great Meadows Marsh
- Deer Pond Farm