In the lovely verdant environment of Vermont, there are various wild bird species. We’ll take a look at some of the most common and well-known Vermont birds, particularly those that may be found close to home, in this article. Several of these animals are migratory and only stay for part of the year, while others live permanently in Vermont. So, let’s learn a little about each species by taking a look at 26 Vermont backyard birds.
After that, I’ll give you a crash course in how to attract different types of birds to your yard, as well as mention a few birdwatching hotspots and organizations in Vermont.
In Vermont, how many distinct species of wild birds?
It’s impossible to say how many bird species live in North America, the United States, or even Vermont with any certainty. The official state list, however, lists 388 species, according to Wikipedia.
According to one source, North America has 2,059 species; according to another, it has 914. Therefore, I am unsure how much credit I give to these statistics, although they do provide a basic estimate of the number of species.
In this article, we’re going to focus on some of Vermont’s favorite backyard species.
26 BACKYARD BIRDS IN VERMONT
In Vermont, we’ll examine 26 different species of backyard birds, some of which are year-round residents and others that aren’t. These are just a few of the state’s most notable and identifiable Vermont backyard birds, some of which may be seen at your feeder. They aren’t necessarily all of the species in the state, or even near it. Let’s get started right now!
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 North America’s most well-known and widespread backyard birds are the 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 easily recognizable.
Year-round, Vermont is home to the Northern Cardinals.
Most seed feeders will be visited by the Cardinals, who will give them a mixture of black sunflower seeds.
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
In their range, these little birds are quite frequent at feeders and backyards. They, too, have a short 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 the bottom.
In Vermont, the Tufted Titmouse can be found all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer them a combination of 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 small little birds with rounded bodies that are very easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with white cheeks and blackish gray wings and backs.
These guys are incredibly frequent around bird feeders, where they run back and forth from one to the next in order to cover. Chickadees are among the first birds I see at my new feeder, and they can be quite fearless for their size!
During the year, you may see black-capped chickadees in Vermont.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds in addition to 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 well-known bird species is cardinals. The Blue Jay is the bird in question. Their back and belly are covered in white feathers, and their heads are topped with a huge blue crest. Black stripes decorate their wings and tail. They also have a necklace-like black ring around their necks. They are among the first to alert all of the birds in an area of a predator like a hawk, and they emit several loud metallic-sounding cries.
Another year-round resident of Vermont is the Blue Jays. In backyards and feeders, they’re quite common.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are all favorites of the Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts should be offered 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 bright royal blue head and white belly, with a crimson-orange chest and rusty red underbelly. The colors of females and males are similar, although the females’ colors appear duller and more faded, particularly the blue. In the United States, they are perhaps the most coveted occupants of birdcages. The bluebird house business is booming as a result. Backyards are full of them, but feeders aren’t as plentiful. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse, which I put up on Amazon.
Save for the northeastern part of the state, where they are more typically seen in the spring and summer, the eastern bluebird may be found year-round in Vermont.
Feeding birds mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish may persuade bluebirds to come to the feeders.
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 backs and wings of these sparrows are brown, with heavy brown streaks on the white breast that culminate in a central brown spot. The plumage of song Sparrows varies somewhat from area to area, and they are ubiquitous across most of North America. The male of this species uses his voice to attract females and defend his area.
Vermont is home to song Sparrows all year.
Bird feeders are visited by Song Sparrows on occasion, who eat a mix of seeds and sunflower seeds.
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 mostly seen hopping around the grass looking for worms and other invertebrates to eat, and they are very common in backyards. They do not typically eat seeds, despite visiting bird feeders on occasion. They are easily identified by their vivid red bellies and yellow beaks. During the winter, they retreat to the woods in many regions and don’t return until spring. They appear to be leaving the state, but in most instances, they stay put until the winter is over.
All year, robins are found in Vermont.
Attract birds to your feeders with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath. American Robins do not often visit 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 roughly the size of robins, may frequently be seen perched on telephone wires or in clusters in trees. They’re known for their “cooing” in the backyard. They’re often seen wandering around on the ground, rather than on my tray feeder. The majority of mourning doves are gray with black markings on top and pink legs, and they have a pale peach color below.
Throughout the whole state of Vermont, Mourning Doves may be found all year.
Doves are often drawn to seed feeders, although they prefer to hunt for fallen seeds. Sprinkle some seeds on the ground or use a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend.
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, 100 starlings were released in New York, and they have since overrun the United States. They’ll overtake feeders, destroying other birds’ nests and murdering their chicks, before destroying your own. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly dark with white specks on their backs and wings. In the right light, starlings may appear to be rather lovely, with a purple and green iridescent hue.
Unfortunately, this invasive species can be found in every state in the lower 48 at any time of year.
Almost anything can be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend not trying to attract them, since they are an invasive species and will appear anyway.
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, when the goldfinches have their bright yellow feathers, they are among my favorite birds to see at feeders. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time, and they are mostly yellow or “gold” with black-tipped wings. Their bright yellow turns a more dull brownish or olive color during the winter, and they molt. The black on their wings, as well as their finch-like beaks, are always visible to identify them at any time of year.
Throughout Vermont, Goldfinches may be found all year.
Thistle feeders are preferred by goldfinches, but sunflower chips are a close second. Thistle feeders are your best bet to attract them.
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 may be found. The head, chest, back, wings, and tail are all dark gray. The slate-colored form is the name for this kind. They have a white belly that extends all the way to the back of their tail. Femen may be buffy brown rather than gray, and they may look similar. The light pink beak and roundish body shape of junco are two important traits to notice when identifying them. They’re most prevalent in wooded regions and forests, where you may often spot them hopping around on the ground.
All year, Vermont is home to Dark-eyed Juncos.
Juncos will feeders on occasion, but prefer to eat ground seed beneath your feeders rather than seed that other birds are dropping. Mixed seeds are preferred by them.
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 robin-sized birds with a black head and a long tail. They have dark slate gray coloring all over. Their tails are covered in a rusty red patch that most people overlook. Catbirds like to eat fruit, so provide them with native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. Their cries sound like that of a meowing cat, thus they are nicknamed catbird.
During the summer, Vermont is home to Gray Catbirds.
If you provide some fruits, berries, or other sweet foods, you might be able to attract catbirds, although they prefer to forage on the ground or in shrubs 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
House finches are not as vilified as other invasive birds such as house sparrows or European starlings, despite their spread to the eastern United States. They may appear in big flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is rather simple. Females have no red coloring, while males are generally streaked brown in color with some red on the head and chest. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to a transmissible eye disease, which should be monitored at your feeders.
Throughout the year, House Finches can be found in Vermont.
House Finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle feeders. They’re more common than Goldfinches at seed feeders, so try feeding them black sunflower seeds to attract them.
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 among the most numerous birds in North America, and their crimson and yellow shoulders stand out against their black bodies. The females, on the other hand, are much browner with lighter streaks and have a very different appearance. Males will mate with up to 15 different females, thus they are classified as a polygynous species. Unfortunately, they appear in flocks and gobble up seed at feeders.
Red-winged Blackbirds may be seen throughout most of Vermont during the spring and summer.
Most types of feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will eat both 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
With a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaked wings, rusty red head, and a black line through the eye with white above, chipping sparrows have their most crisp feathers in the summer. Their markings may be less visible during the winter, and their color may be more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to feed in open areas are common.
Throughout Vermont’s breeding season, Chipping Sparrows can only be found in the spring and summer.
At backyard feeders, Chipping Sparrows are frequently found gathering spilled food on the ground. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, 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
Backyard birds such as the downy are very frequent visitors of bird feeders. They’re one of the first birds I notice at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their red patch on the back of the head (in males, females have no red) and their white underbodies make them instantly distinguishable. Downy’s are substantially smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, another common Vermont woodpecker.
Throughout Vermont, the Downy Woodpecker can be found all year.
At most kinds of bird feeders, the Downy Woodpecker is very common. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet should be offered.
17. HAIRY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Leuconotopicus villosus
Length: 7.1-10.2 in
Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 in
Apart from their larger size and a few additional traits, Hairy Woodpeckers and Downy Woodpeckers are largely indistinguishable. They have nearly identical patterns and are frequently discovered in the same regions of the nation as one other. The Hairy Woodpecker, on the other hand, does not seem to visit bird feeders as often as Downy’s do.
All year, Vermont is home to the Hairy Woodpecker.
Hairy Woodpeckers will eat suet and seed feeders, though they are less frequent than Downy Woodpeckers.
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 very attractive in the right light, despite being bully birds like the starling, with their iridescent feathers. They’re generally black in hue, however there are blue, green, brown, and purple hues visible when they’re in direct sunlight. Grackles may frequently be seen in massive flocks numbering in the millions of birds, roosting with other blackbirds. Their solid coloring, long slender body, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to spot.
Grackles are only present in Vermont’s northern half throughout the spring and summer, but they live year-round in the south.
Grackles are considered pests because they forage and will eat practically 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 ability to crack the seed from the shell with their sharp beaks earned White-breasted Nuthatches their moniker. In addition to many other types of birds, these birds have the capacity to walk vertically on trees. White-breasted Nuthatches have a black stripe over their heads, with white on both sides and below their bodies. Gray and black are the dominant colors of their wings.
White-breasted Nuthatches are a common backyard bird found throughout Vermont all year.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who give them a combination of black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. They like to take a seed and flee, either eating it or caching it in a nearby tree. They frequently grab and run.
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
The only other wild bird species in the United States is the Houses Sparrow, which is often considered pests. Along with starlings that may be lawfully trapped and killed humanely. They were first brought to New York in the 1800s, and like starlings, they have spread across the United States like wildfire. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are generally brown in color. In general, they are hostile to other birds, especially those in the nest.
Vermont is home to a variety of house Sparrows.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and pose a danger to native species. Almost anything is edible to them.
21. CEDAR WAXWING
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 1.1 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
The unique coloring of Cedar Waxwings is a dead giveaway. The head and chest of these medium-sized birds are tawny brown, the belly is yellow, the wings are dark gray, and the short tail is yellow. Their head has a huge fluffy brown crest and a dramatic black eye mask rimmed in white. Little, red, waxy nubs at the ends of their wings give the term “waxwing” its name.
They’re sometimes difficult to perceive, and no one knows what they’re for. They might help pair up potential partners. Fruit is a favorite of cedar waxwings, and they are one of the few North American birds that can subsist solely on fruit for many months. Insects and other foods are supplemented to their diet, but unlike other birds, they can eat a much larger portion of fruit.
Seed feeders aren’t good for Cedar Waxwings. Native trees and shrubs that produce small fruits and berries may entice them to your yard.
22. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta canadensis
Length: 4.3 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in
The back of these little nuthatches is black, with a rusty (from vivid to pale) chest and belly, and a vividly black and white striped face. They’re small, lively birds that spend the majority of their time hopping around beneath the bark of trees and branches, hunting for insects. They’ll utilize backyard nest boxes as well as tree cavities for nesting.
Vermont’s red-breasted nuthatches are present all year, but their population often migrates south during the winter when conifer seeds are scarce.
Feeders are attractive to red-breasted nuthatches. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet are all options.
23. RED-EYED VIREO
One of the most frequent eastern U.S. species is the Red-eyed Vireo. Summer is the season for birds. They travel to the United States after spending winters in South America. During the breeding season, Their underbelly and tail are a faded olive color, while their breast and belly are lighter. Their eye has a black streak, their brow is white, and their head is black. While it may be difficult to see and their eye appears black in the shadows, they have a red eye-ring, as the name implies.
They aren’t often seen unless you are looking for them, despite how common they are. Since they seldom come down from the trees, this is the case. Pay attention to the trees in your yard. I’ve noticed something moving around high up near the top on many occasions, and when I grab my binoculars, I can see it’s the Red-eye Vireo. Also listen for their song and calls, as these vireos are recognized for “talking” all day. When you learn to recognize them, you’ll probably start hearing them everywhere in the summer.
In the spring and summer, Vermont is home to red-eyed Vireos.
In the United States, red-eyed Vireos eat mostly insects. Don’t feed the birds during the summer. Native deciduous trees and insect-friendly plant life, on the other hand, may entice them to your yard.
24. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
Scientific name: Sphyrapicus varius
Length: 7.1-8.7 in
Weight: 1.5-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-15.8 in
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a woodpecker species that drills rows of holes in tree bark to make sapwells that they may drink from. They have a black and white striped face and red cap, as well as a stocky, speckled black and white body. The red throat patch of males is visible, while that of females is not. They’ve been recorded drilling sapwells in over 1,000 species of trees and woody plants, despite their preference for birch and maple trees.
Throughout the winter months, yellow-bellied sapsuckers may be found across Vermont.
You are more likely to attract yellow-bellied sapsuckers by having young birch or maple trees in your yard, which they can extract sap from.
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 huge woodpeckers are rather widespread around homes, although they are not particularly common at feeders. They’re also one of the most gorgeous birds in North America, in my opinion. Unlike other woodpeckers, Flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than in trees, and they feed primarily on them. The black marks on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings will help you identify them. A black mustache is seen on males. You may obtain the bright yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail in Vermont, which is known as the “yellow-shafted” variety.
Except for the southern portion of the state, where they live all year, Northern Flickers may be found in Vermont during the spring and summer.
A suet feeder is visited by Northern Flickers on rare occasions, but they generally discover their own food. If you have one, they’ll stop by for a drink.
26. EASTERN PHOEBE
Scientific name: Sayornis phoebe
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in
During the spring and summer, people throughout the northeast are familiar with the call of eastern Phoebes, which are round little songbirds. On their back and tail, they are a grayish-brown color with a somewhat darker complexion. They have a light throat, breast, and belly that can be white or yellow in color. The majority of Phoebe’s diet is made up by flying insects, which belong to the flycatcher family. Overhangs with eaves are where they like to nest. Eastern phoebe’s are mostly lone birds who do not socialize.
During the spring and summer, eastern phoebes may be found all across Vermont.
If there are wooded areas where flying insects may be found or you have a barn or shed with a roof overhang that they may find attractive for nesting, they won’t visit bird feeders, but may visit your yard.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Interested in bringing some of these birds home with you? Starting with the most basic, take a look at these five easy ways.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
A bird feeder or two is the best and simplest technique to entice birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are good places to start. For each, there are some ideas listed below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a simple terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as the one shown on Amazon, or something similar like this pedestal birdbath. Birds need water to drink and bathe in, and adding a water feature to your yard will only increase your chances of attracting birds. Furthermore, since moving water attracts the birds to visit the pond more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the correct location and at the correct time of year, several 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 garden the same day I put it up.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When the birds sense danger, make sure there are trees, shrubs, and bushes in your yard that they can dart back and forth to. Predators are the primary cause of death for these animals. Do your best to add some landscaping features that will allow birds to look at 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 eat them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other insects that feed multiple birds and support nesting birds. Native plants that support a healthy ecosystem should be avoided, including invasive and non-native plants.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
Here are some of the most popular bird feeders used in gardens.
- Hopper feeders are named because of the hopper, which is a compartment in the middle that holds bird seed. Birds can rest on the perches and eat from them on either side. The seed is kept dry by covering many hopper feeders, which are shaped like a house. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is a squirrel-proof hopper feeder that I really like.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, pole-mounted, or placed on a platform. They are sometimes known as tray feeders. They’re simple to setup and ideal for feeding most sorts of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, but since they are completely open, For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my yard right now, I’m using a platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are simple plastic tube-shaped bird feeding devices that look like this. They may hold from a few cups to 5 pounds or more of seed and are available in a variety of sizes. They’re fantastic since they allow you to seed when it’s necessary without keeping your seed dry or fresh. A tube feeder will be used by a variety of birds. Tube feeders can be used to feed black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This squirrel proof tube feeder is made by Squirrel Buster, and it’s one of their best on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes, which are one kind of bird food. They’re a very basic design, generally consisting of a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. In the winter, when birds are seeking high-fat foods, suet feeders are very popular, and woodpeckers come often to visit them. I recommend a suet feeder with a long tail to attract bigger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Thistle feeders are specialized bird feeders designed especially for thistle seed, also known as Nyjer feeders. 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 feature tiny holes along the tube’s sides, allowing birds to pick thistle out of the feeder. They’re frequently in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a nice thistle feeder.
- Thistle feeders, often known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed to hold thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the most common types of birds attracted to thistle feeders. Thistle feeders have tiny holes along the tube’s sides that allow birds to pick thistle off of them. They are often in a tube shape. Droll Yankees has a terrific thistle feeder available.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground level and are more or less tray feeders. Birds such as Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other ground animals will appreciate them. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a great idea for landscape projects.
- Another kind of specialty feeder for one particular kind of bird is the oriole feeder, which is designed for orioles. Orioles adore the feeder, which is usually orange in color and includes tiny plastic or glass dishes designed for jelly storage. Another treat that orioles enjoy is orange halves, which you may put on the feeder. With four jelly trays, this oriole feeder can hold orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders are designed to extract sugar water from hummingbirds, also known as nectar feeders or hummingbird feeders. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, even though they are meant for hummingbirds, since they like that sweet nectar as much as I do. Learn how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water by reading this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they’re both simple and inexpensive.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and often made of metal wire mesh material, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the openings in the wire mesh are positioned much farther apart. These feeders should be loaded with peanuts and attract birds like Blue Jays. Squirrel Buster’s Feeder is the best choice if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic one will do the trick, regardless.
BIRD WATCHING IN VERMONT
If you want to expand your horizons beyond your own property, Vermont is a fantastic place to start birding. If you’re interested in getting deeper into birding, the Vermont Audubon Society offers meetups, workshops, field excursions, and more.
Take a look at this list I’ve prepared of popular birding spots in Vermont if you’re a Vermont citizen who’d want to add some new species to your life list.
VERMONT BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
- Moose Bog
- Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area
- Island Pond
- West Rutland Marsh