In “Most Common Backyard Birds in New Hampshire,” readers will find a comprehensive guide to the avian residents of the Granite State. Drawing from the reliable data of the citizen science program eBird, this article presents a detailed list of the most frequently spotted birds, complete with accompanying photographs and tips on how to attract them to one’s own backyard. Alongside the beloved Black-capped Chickadee, other popular species like the Blue Jay, American Crow, and American Goldfinch also make an appearance. Furthermore, this informative piece offers a broader overview of bird watching in New Hampshire, including insights on the common birds found in Manchester. As readers peruse through the article, they will come across resources like eBird for bird sightings and photos, as well as a suggestion to join a local bird group for further connection. To truly create a welcoming environment for these delightful creatures, the piece emphasizes the significance of considering the habitat within one’s neighborhood. By abiding by this valuable advice, readers will be able to transform their own backyards into havens for a diverse array of marvelous birds.
State Overview of Birds and Bird Watching in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a fantastic destination for bird watching enthusiasts. With its varied habitats, including forests, wetlands, lakes, and mountains, the state offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide range of bird species in their natural environment.
Bird Diversity in New Hampshire
New Hampshire boasts an impressive bird diversity, with over 300 species documented within the state. These birds include both resident species that inhabit the area year-round and migratory species that pass through during their seasonal journeys. The diverse landscapes of New Hampshire provide the ideal habitat for a vast range of bird species, from songbirds to raptors.
Bird Watching Hotspots in New Hampshire
For bird enthusiasts looking to explore the best bird watching spots in New Hampshire, there are several key locations to consider. The White Mountains region, with its extensive forested areas and high-altitude peaks, provides an ideal habitat for many bird species. The Great Bay Wildlife Refuge, located along New Hampshire’s coastline, offers excellent opportunities to observe shorebirds and waterfowl. Other notable hotspots include Pawtuckaway State Park, the Merrimack River Valley, and the Connecticut Lakes region.
eBird as a Resource for Bird Sightings
When it comes to tracking bird sightings and planning bird watching outings, eBird is an incredibly valuable resource. eBird is a citizen science program that allows birders to record and share their observations with the global birding community. By contributing sightings to eBird, bird watchers provide valuable data that contributes to our understanding of bird populations and migration patterns. Birders can access the eBird platform to view recent sightings, generate species checklists, and explore birding hotspots in New Hampshire.
Joining a Local Bird Group
Bird watching is not only a solitary activity but also a social one. Joining a local bird group or birding club can enhance your birding experience by connecting you with fellow bird enthusiasts in your area. These groups often organize bird walks, field trips, and educational programs, offering opportunities to learn from experienced birders and expand your knowledge of New Hampshire’s bird species. Additionally, local bird groups may have access to private lands and birding sites that are not accessible to the general public, further enriching your birding adventures.
Common Backyard Birds in New Hampshire
While exploring the various bird species in New Hampshire, it’s worth getting to know the common birds that frequent backyard feeders and gardens across the state. These familiar visitors can provide year-round enjoyment for bird watchers of all levels.
Black-capped Chickadee
The Black-capped Chickadee is one of the most recognizable and beloved backyard birds in New Hampshire. With its striking black cap, white cheeks, and grayish body, this small songbird is a common sight at feeders throughout the state. Black-capped Chickadees are known for their cheerful, bubbling songs and their acrobatic feeding habits. To attract these charming birds to your backyard, provide them with a variety of seeds, suet, and sunflower hearts in well-placed feeders.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is another iconic bird species found in New Hampshire. With its vibrant blue plumage, distinctive crest, and loud, raspy calls, the Blue Jay is impossible to miss. These intelligent and curious birds are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, where they eagerly devour sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Create a welcoming environment for Blue Jays by offering these favored foods and providing dense shrubs or trees for nesting and shelter.
American Crow
The American Crow is a black-feathered bird characterized by its strong, croaking calls and its intelligence. Commonly seen in both urban and rural settings, these adaptable birds are known for their foraging skills and their ability to problem-solve. While crows may not visit your feeders as frequently as other bird species, they can be attracted with offerings of nuts, grains, and occasionally, leftover human food.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a vibrant, small songbird that brings a flash of bright yellow to New Hampshire’s backyard feeders. Their cheerful, twittering songs and delightful acrobatics make them a favorite among bird watchers. American Goldfinches are particularly attracted to thistle or nyjer seed feeders, as well as sunflower heads during the summer months when they molt into their brilliant yellow breeding plumage.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a striking songbird renowned for its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. Both male and female cardinals frequent New Hampshire’s backyards, with the male sporting the iconic red coloration and the female showcasing a more subtle reddish-brown hue. Cardinals are attracted to feeders filled with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Providing dense shrubs and trees for nesting and cover will also help attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is New Hampshire’s smallest and most common woodpecker species. With its black-and-white plumage and small size, the Downy Woodpecker can often be seen hopping along tree trunks and branches, foraging for insects and seeds. Attract these charming birds to your backyard by offering suet feeders, as well as black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small, energetic songbird recognized by its gray plumage, crested head, and lively demeanor. These active birds are skilled acrobats, frequently hanging upside-down as they forage for insects and seeds. To attract Tufted Titmice to your backyard, offer a variety of seeds, suet, and mealworms in well-placed feeders.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a unique appearance and behavior. These birds are often seen moving headfirst down tree trunks in search of insects and seeds. Characterized by their bluish-gray back, white breast, and distinctive black cap, White-breasted Nuthatches can be enticed to visit your yard with suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow species that appears in New Hampshire during the winter months. These charming birds have a distinct plumage pattern, with a dark gray or black head, white belly, and hints of brown on their back and sides. Dark-eyed Juncos prefer feeding on the ground, so scatter seeds like millet, cracked corn, and white proso millet to attract them.
Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a graceful and gentle bird that frequents backyard feeders throughout the year. With its soft cooing calls and gentle demeanor, the Mourning Dove adds a peaceful presence to any backyard. These ground-feeding birds are attracted to platforms or ground feeders filled with cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds.
Pictures and Information on Each Common Bird Species
Black-capped Chickadee Description
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small songbird that resides in forests and woodlands across New Hampshire. With its distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and grayish body, the Black-capped Chickadee is easily recognizable. These energetic birds are known for their curious nature and their lively, bubbling songs.
Black-capped Chickadee Picture
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Attracting Black-capped Chickadees to Your Backyard
To attract Black-capped Chickadees to your backyard, provide them with a variety of seeds, suet, and sunflower hearts in well-placed feeders. These birds are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and will readily visit feeders that offer this food source. To create a welcoming habitat, plant native trees and shrubs that produce berries and provide nesting sites. Offering a clean source of water, such as a birdbath, will also attract these delightful birds.
Blue Jay Description
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a large, colorful bird that is commonly seen throughout New Hampshire. With its vibrant blue plumage, distinctive crest, and black facial markings, the Blue Jay is a showstopper in any backyard. Known for their loud, raspy calls and their intelligent nature, Blue Jays are a joy to observe.
Blue Jay Picture
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Attracting Blue Jays to Your Backyard
To attract Blue Jays to your backyard, offer them a variety of foods, including sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. These birds have strong bills and can easily crack open peanuts to access the tasty nut inside. Providing dense shrubs or trees for nesting and shelter will also entice Blue Jays to make your backyard their home.
American Crow Description
The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a highly intelligent bird that is found in both urban and rural areas across New Hampshire. With its jet-black feathers and powerful build, the American Crow commands attention. Known for their distinctive croaking calls, crows are remarkable foragers and problem solvers.
American Crow Picture
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Attracting American Crows to Your Backyard
While American Crows may not visit feeders as frequently as other bird species, they can be attracted with offerings of nuts, grains, and occasionally, leftover human food. Offering a consistent and reliable food source may entice crows to visit your backyard regularly. However, it is important to note that crows are highly adaptable and may not rely solely on backyard feeders for their sustenance.
American Goldfinch Description
The American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is a small, bright yellow songbird that is prevalent throughout New Hampshire. These colorful birds bring a burst of sunshine to any backyard with their vibrant plumage and cheerful songs.
American Goldfinch Picture
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Attracting American Goldfinches to Your Backyard
American Goldfinches are particularly attracted to thistle or nyjer seed feeders. These tiny birds have specialized beaks that are perfectly adapted for extracting the tiny seeds from the feeder. Offering sunflower heads during the summer months, when American Goldfinches molt into their brilliant yellow breeding plumage, will further entice these delightful birds to visit your yard.
Northern Cardinal Description
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most recognizable and beloved backyard birds in New Hampshire. With its vibrant red plumage, distinctive crest, and melodic song, the Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident that brings a touch of beauty to any backyard.
Northern Cardinal Picture
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Attracting Northern Cardinals to Your Backyard
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, provide them with a diverse range of food options, including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Cardinals prefer to feed on platform or tray feeders that are stocked with these favored foods. Additionally, planting dense shrubs and trees in your yard will provide ideal nesting sites and cover for these stunning birds.
Downy Woodpecker Description
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the smallest and most common woodpecker species in New Hampshire. With its black-and-white plumage, small size, and distinctive markings, the Downy Woodpecker is a familiar sight to many bird watchers.
Downy Woodpecker Picture
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Attracting Downy Woodpeckers to Your Backyard
To attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard, offer suet feeders, as well as black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts. These birds have a strong preference for suet, which provides them with a high-energy food source. Providing dead or dying trees, known as snags, can also attract Downy Woodpeckers as they forage for insects and create nesting cavities.
Tufted Titmouse Description
The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird that is known for its lively and energetic nature. With its gray plumage, crested head, and lively demeanor, the Tufted Titmouse is a delightful visitor to any backyard.
Tufted Titmouse Picture
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Attracting Tufted Titmice to Your Backyard
To attract Tufted Titmice to your backyard, offer a variety of seeds, suet, and mealworms in well-placed feeders. These acrobatic birds are skilled foragers and will readily take advantage of food sources in your yard. Providing dense shrubs and trees for nesting and cover will also help attract these lively birds.
White-breasted Nuthatch Description
The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird that is recognized by its unique appearance and behavior. With its bluish-gray back, white breast, and distinctive black cap, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a welcome visitor to many New Hampshire backyards.
White-breasted Nuthatch Picture
[Insert picture of a White-breasted Nuthatch here]
Attracting White-breasted Nuthatches to Your Backyard
To attract White-breasted Nuthatches to your backyard, provide suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts in well-placed feeders. These birds are excellent foragers and will frequently visit feeders that offer these food sources. Offering a variety of perching options, such as different tree species and birdhouses, will further entice White-breasted Nuthatches to make your backyard their home.
Dark-eyed Junco Description
The Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is a small sparrow species that is commonly seen in New Hampshire’s winter months. With its dark gray or black head, white belly, and hints of brown on its back and sides, the Dark-eyed Junco is a familiar sight at backyard feeders.
Dark-eyed Junco Picture
[Insert picture of a Dark-eyed Junco here]
Attracting Dark-eyed Juncos to Your Backyard
Dark-eyed Juncos prefer feeding on the ground, so scatter seeds like millet, cracked corn, and white proso millet to attract them. These birds are ground foragers and will frequent areas where the seeds are easily accessible. Providing dense shrubs and trees for cover will also attract Dark-eyed Juncos to your backyard.
Mourning Dove Description
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a graceful and gentle bird that is commonly spotted at backyard feeders throughout the year. With its soft cooing calls and gentle demeanor, the Mourning Dove adds a peaceful presence to any backyard.
Mourning Dove Picture
[Insert picture of a Mourning Dove here]
Attracting Mourning Doves to Your Backyard
To attract Mourning Doves to your backyard, offer a variety of foods, including cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. These birds feed on the ground or on platform feeders and prefer open areas where they can easily spot potential predators. Providing a clean and reliable source of water, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, will also attract Mourning Doves.
Common Birds in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire, is a city that offers its residents and visitors excellent bird watching opportunities. With its diverse habitats and proximity to several key birding locations, Manchester is a haven for both resident and migratory bird species.
Manchester’s Bird Diversity
In Manchester, bird enthusiasts can observe a wide range of bird species throughout the year. From woodland songbirds to majestic raptors, the city’s varied habitats create an ideal environment for bird diversity. Manchester’s parks, wetlands, and even backyard feeders provide ample opportunities to spot both common and rare bird species.
Key Bird Species in Manchester
While Manchester is home to a variety of bird species, there are several key species that bird watchers can expect to encounter. Some of the most common birds in Manchester include the Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, and Blue Jay. Additionally, Manchester offers opportunities to spot raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks.
Bird Watching Locations in Manchester
There are several notable bird watching locations in and around Manchester that offer birders the chance to observe a variety of species. Livingston Park, with its mixture of wooded areas, open fields, and a small pond, provides an excellent birding experience. Derryfield Park and Massabesic Lake are also popular spots that attract a diverse range of bird species. These locations offer opportunities to observe waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors in their natural habitats.
Bird Feeders and Foods to Attract Different Species
One effective way to attract a variety of bird species to your backyard is through the use of bird feeders and specifically chosen foods. Different feeders and food preferences cater to the unique dietary needs and feeding behaviors of various bird species.
Types of Bird Feeders
There are several types of bird feeders available, each catering to different feeding styles and species. Some common feeder types include tube feeders, platform feeders, suet feeders, and nectar feeders. Tube feeders are best suited for small songbirds, while platform feeders accommodate larger birds that prefer to feed on the ground. Suet feeders offer high-energy food sources for woodpeckers and other clinging birds, while nectar feeders attract hummingbirds.
Seed Preferences of Common Backyard Birds
Different bird species have varying seed preferences. For example, Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice are fond of sunflower seeds, while American Goldfinches seek out nyjer or thistle seeds. Blue Jays are known to enjoy peanuts and sunflower seeds, while Mourning Doves prefer cracked corn and millet. By offering a variety of seeds, bird enthusiasts can attract a diverse range of bird species to their backyard feeders.
Attracting Birds with Suet
Suet is a high-energy food source that is particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other clinging birds. Suet cakes can be placed in specialized suet feeders or simple mesh bags and hung from trees or feeding stations. Providing suet during the colder months when insects are scarce can entice these bird species to visit your backyard regularly.
Nectar Feeders for Hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds, nectar feeders filled with a solution of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar can be hung in a visible location. It is crucial to clean and refill the nectar feeders every few days to prevent fermentation or mold growth. Offering additional nectar-rich flowers in your yard, such as bee balm or trumpet vine, can also attract hummingbirds.
Other Tips for Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
In addition to providing feeders and specific foods, creating a bird-friendly environment in your backyard can further attract a variety of bird species. Planting native tree and shrub species will provide natural food sources and nesting habitats. Offering clean and accessible water sources, such as birdbaths or shallow dishes, will also attract birds for drinking and bathing. Providing shelter in the form of dense vegetation or birdhouses can create safe spaces for birds to rest and nest.
Considering Habitat for Bird Presence or Absence
Habitat plays a crucial role in determining the presence or absence of specific bird species in your neighborhood. Understanding the importance of suitable habitats and adapting your backyard environment accordingly can significantly enhance your bird watching experiences.
The Importance of Habitat
Habitat refers to the specific environment or natural home that provides the necessary resources and conditions for a species to survive and thrive. Birds rely on suitable habitats that offer food sources, nesting sites, and protection from predators. By understanding the habitat preferences of different bird species, bird watchers can create backyard environments that closely mimic their natural habitats.
Types of Habitats in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s diverse landscapes offer a wide range of habitats that attract numerous bird species. Forested areas provide nesting sites and food sources for birds such as woodpeckers and warblers. Wetlands and marshes serve as crucial breeding grounds for waterfowl and shorebirds. Open fields and meadows attract ground-feeding birds like sparrows and bobolinks. By exploring the various habitats in your area, you can gain insight into the bird species you are likely to encounter.
Landscaping Tips for Bird-friendly Habitats
When it comes to creating a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard, there are several key landscaping tips to consider. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers will provide birds with natural food sources, shelter, and nesting sites. Incorporating a variety of plant species that offer different types of fruits, seeds, and nectar will attract a diverse range of bird species. Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides will ensure a healthy environment for birds and their food sources.
Common Birds and Their Preferred Habitats
Different bird species have specific habitat preferences that influence their distribution and presence in certain areas. For example, forest-dwelling birds like the Black-capped Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker are commonly found in wooded areas. Wetland birds, such as Great Blue Herons and Belted Kingfishers, gravitate towards freshwater habitats. By studying the habitat preferences of the bird species you are interested in, you can increase your chances of spotting them in the right places.
In conclusion, New Hampshire provides an excellent setting for bird watching enthusiasts due to its diverse bird species, abundance of bird watching hotspots, and valuable resources like eBird. By becoming familiar with the common backyard birds in the state, bird enthusiasts can attract these beautiful species to their own backyard through the use of bird feeders and tailored food offerings. Understanding the importance of habitat and making efforts to create a bird-friendly environment can also enhance the presence of various bird species in your neighborhood. Whether you are exploring the state’s bird diversity, observing the common birds in Manchester, or considering the specific needs of different bird species, bird watching in New Hampshire offers endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.
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