Whether you’re a beginner birdwatcher or a seasoned bird nerd, there are plenty of simple, reliable ways to attract birds to your yard and keep them coming back.
In the Chattanooga area, backyard birders can expect to see a wide variety of species, including northern cardinals, tufted titmice, Carolina wrens, Carolina chickadees, blue jays, several types of woodpeckers and American goldfinches. Among them, the goldfinch stands out for its striking seasonal color.
“They’re very vibrant, especially in the springtime when they go into their breeding plumage,” said Amy Johnson, an ornithologist pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who also works at Wild Birds Unlimited. “They’re this bright, lemony yellow color.”
Spring also brings a wave of migratory birds passing through the region, such as Tennessee warblers, orchard orioles, indigo buntings, blue grosbeaks and northern kingbirds.
How to attract birds to your Chattanooga-area yard
So how can you turn your yard into a bird-friendly haven? Johnson recommends starting with habitat. Cultivating your yard with native plants provides natural food sources and shelter, creating a welcoming environment for birds year-round.