A great way to attract a unique variety of birds is to install a woodpecker birdhouse in your yard. Not only will it attract woodpeckers, but if you find yourself pestered by a woodpecker already in your yard, it can help deter them from damaging your home and surrounding trees. A few examples of North American woodpecker varieties are the red-bellied woodpeckers, red headed woodpeckers and yellow fronted woodpeckers. You can expect to attract one or two of these varieties if you set up your woodpecker birdhouse and bird feeder correctly.
Woodpeckers, like many birds, are cavity nesters, meaning they nest in the hollows of dead or live wood, or similar structures. This is why you find them hollowing out trees and logs. If you are installing a birdhouse for a woodpecker, remember that they prefer a house with a rough, unfinished interior with a coarse saw dust floor. Depending on which type of woodpecker you want to nest in your birdhouse, the opening should be between 1 ¼ to 2 inches in diameter.
Placement is important in installing your birdhouse. Woodpeckers peck for insects in tree trunks. Therefore, it makes sense to nail your birdhouse high on a tree trunk. They also prefer that there home is exposed to direct sunlight during the day. Keep this in mind and stay away from ultra shady areas that never receive sunlight.
All creatures need access to shelter, food and water. So once your birdhouse is mounted, shelter is taken care of. In order to help your birdhouse seem more inviting, be sure that there is easy access to food and water. Place a shallow birdbath nearby to help water all of your wild birds. Woodpeckers love nuts, sunflower seeds, corn, and even fruit. Install a bird feeder in close proximity to entice your woodpeckers and other birds to stay.
Birds are fun to watch, but pay special attention to woodpeckers who feed on termites, carpenter ants, and other insects. Could danger be lurking near by? Is the rotted tree stump a termite breeding ground? These are great things to investigate as you watch where your woodpecker loves to feed. Your feathered friend could help you keep your home termite free.
Bird watching is a fantastic hobby. The beauty of bird watching is that you can travel far and wide to view different species, or enjoy diversity right in your own backyard. Install your bird feeders and birdhouses in a visible area so you can watch them from your home. Plant bird-friendly greenery to entice wild birds into your yard and create diversity by making a variety of birdhouses and feeders available.