Backyard Birding Starter Kit: What You Really Need
- Chirp Nook
- Nov 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Starting a backyard birdwatching setup doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few key items, you can turn your outdoor space into a haven for birds and a peaceful daily escape for yourself.
I’ve tested more feeders, seeds, and gadgets than I can count, and this list is what I recommend to anyone who’s just getting started. These are the things that actually make a difference and help you attract more species, keep them coming back, and enjoy every moment from your window or patio.
Table of Contents: 🪶 A Variety of Feeders 🌻 Quality Seed and Suet 💧 Bird Baths 📖 Learning the Birds |
🪶 A Variety of Feeders
One of the biggest secrets to attracting more birds is offering different types of feeders. Each design appeals to different species, and the variety keeps your yard active all year.
Tube Feeder - Great for small birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and finches. Easy to fill, clean, and perfect for everyday seed blends.
Platform Feeder - Open design means larger birds like cardinals, jays, and mourning doves can join in too.
Hopper Feeder - Holds plenty of seed, keeps it dry, and attracts a wide mix of backyard visitors.
Suet Cage Feeder - Perfect for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-loving birds. Fill with high-energy suet cakes, especially during cooler months.
Window Feeder - Ideal for apartments, small yards, or anyone who wants a close-up view. Birds get used to your presence fast, and it’s always a hit with kids.
You never know what will show up when you offer a mix of feeder styles. That’s part of the fun of birding, every day brings something new!
🌸 Summer Feeding and Tropical Climates
If you live in a warm or tropical area, or you’re setting up feeders for summer, add a hummingbird and oriole feeder to your mix. Hummingbirds and orioles thrive in warmer months and bring a burst of energy and color to your backyard.
Birdfy Humfeeder Duo - A smart hummingbird feeder that pairs beautifully with the Birdfy app. It lets you watch and identify hummingbirds right from your phone.
Traditional Glass Hummingbird Feeder - A simple, budget-friendly choice. Fill it with a fresh 4:1 water-to-sugar nectar mix (no dyes) and clean it every few days to keep it safe for the birds.
Birds Choice Oriole Feeder - Orioles love oranges, jelly, and nectar. This type of feeder is a fun addition for summer and tropical areas!
Hummingbirds and orioles love consistency. Once they find your feeder, they’ll return year after year, often remembering the exact spot.
🐿️ When Rodents or Squirrels Become a Problem
It happens to almost everyone at some point. If you notice squirrels or other critters sneaking snacks from your feeders, you have a few easy options.
Try Cool Birds “Hearts on Fire” - a naturally spicy blend that birds love but squirrels avoid. It’s one of the simplest ways to deter them without harming wildlife.
Consider switching to a squirrel-proof feeder, especially if you’re in an area where squirrels are common. These feeders close automatically under heavier weight, keeping seed safe for the birds.
Avoid tossing seed directly on the ground and keep your feeding area tidy to discourage rodents from hanging around.
A few small adjustments usually make a big difference, and you can get back to enjoying your birds without unwanted visitors stealing the show.
🌻 Quality Seed and Suet
Good seed matters. Low-quality mixes often have filler that birds toss out, leaving a mess. Choose clean blends that provide real nutrition and attract a wide range of species.
Cool Birds “Nut & Fruit” Blend - My favorite mix for fall and winter. Packed with real nuts, fruit, and seeds that keep birds full of energy.
Cool Birds “No Mess” Blend - Great for patios or areas where you want to minimize waste.
Lyric Fruit & Nut Suet Cakes - Perfect for cold months when birds need extra calories to stay warm.
Peanuts – high in protein and loved by chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
💧 Bird Baths
Water is one of the best ways to attract birds, even those that don’t visit feeders.
Heated Bird Bath - Keeps water open and safe for drinking and bathing through freezing temperatures.
Large Shallow Pedestal Bird Bath - A beautiful, all-season option that looks great in any garden. The shallow basin makes it easy for birds of all sizes to drink and bathe safely. Perfect for warmer climates or year-round use when freezing isn’t a concern. (Don't forget to grab a Solar Fountain to pair with this feeder to keep water fresh and flowing!)
Whether you choose heated or traditional, fresh water makes a huge difference, it turns your yard into a true gathering place for every type of bird!
📖 Learning the Birds
Once your feeders are up, the real fun begins, learning who’s visiting! Identifying birds helps you appreciate their habits, migration patterns, and even their personalities.
Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro - A smart bird feeder that takes the guesswork out of identification. The built-in AI recognizes species automatically, and you can live stream right from your phone.
National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America - A beautifully illustrated field guide that covers common and rare species, with maps, photos, and clear descriptions. Perfect for keeping near the window or taking on a walk.
Merlin Bird ID App - A free, easy-to-use app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps identify birds by photo, sound, or quick questions about color and behavior. It’s an amazing tool to learn calls and confirm who’s at your feeder.
Notebook or Bird Journal - Jot down what you see and when. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to track your regular visitors and notice seasonal changes.
The more you learn, the more connected you feel. Before long, you’ll recognize calls, notice subtle color shifts, and maybe even name a few of your regulars.
💌 Final Thoughts
You don’t need every gadget or fancy setup to enjoy backyard birding. Start with a few quality feeders, a clean water source, and a mix of seed types, then let nature do the rest.
Once you start feeding consistently, you’ll notice patterns and personalities among your feathered visitors. Some will come and go with the seasons, while others might become familiar faces at your feeder.
Whether it’s a curious chickadee at your window or a bright cardinal in the snow, these little moments make backyard birding so special.
If you’re setting up your first bird feeding station, tag @chirpnook on social media, I’d love to see your setup and what species stop by first.
Affiliate Disclaimer - Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested or genuinely love.
