Cardinals are picky — but in the best way ! I ’ve add a few things to my yard over the years , and every time , those red beauty show up like clockwork .
It ’s the sort of joy that never gets old , especially when they bring their song along . These feature do n’t take much , but they make a big deviation .
If you love seeing cardinals up close , you ’ll want to try this too !
1. Sunflower Seed Feeders
Cardinals ca n’t resist the alimentary entreaty of black oil helianthus seed . These hearty Ohio birds will see your yard on a regular basis when these seed are uncommitted , particularly during winter months when natural nutrient beginning are scarce . Hang your feeder about five foot off the ground near shrubs for speedy flight path . Many Ohio bird enthusiast describe that political platform or hopper - manner feeders work best since cardinal choose having a place to perch while eating .
2. Cardinal-Friendly Bird Baths
Fresh H2O attracts cardinal like nothing else in the Buckeye State . These bright beauties necessitate H2O for drinking and washup year - round , even during Ohio ’s coldest calendar month when natural water sources freeze over . Place your bird bath about three foot off the ground with a rough - textured basinful that provides good footing . Add a little warmer during winter to keep the water from freezing , make an oasis that cardinals will flock to when other water sources vanish .
3. Dense Evergreen Shrubs
Cardinals seek protection when nesting and roosting in Ohio landscape . These crimson visitors prefer protective evergreens like arborvitae , juniper , or spruce that offer twelvemonth - unit of ammunition shelter from predators and rough weather condition . Plant several shrubs together to create a living refuge . Throughout the Buckeye State , gardeners observation cardinals peculiarly appreciate these dense hideout during winter night when temperature plump and protection from icy winds becomes indispensable for endurance .
4. Cardinal Flower Patches
Named for its brilliant red color matching male cardinals , Lobelia cardinalis thrives in moist Ohio soils . These aboriginal perennials produce nectar that attracts insect , which in turn become tasty central snacks during summertime months . Plant these stunning flower in partially shaded area with consistent moisture . Ohio gardeners report these vibrant blooms not only draw cardinals but also hummingbirds , make a racy backyard ecosystem from July through September when the flowers are in their prime quantity .
5. Berry-Producing Trees
Serviceberry , dogwood tree , and crabapple tree offer seasonal banquet that cardinals adore . The fruit these trees produce become crucial food sources during Ohio ’s thin wintertime calendar month when cardinals need extra Calorie to maintain organic structure heat . set these trees where you could bask watching the birds from your window . Many Ohio fowl enthusiasts observation cardinals visiting Chuck Berry trees most often during early morning hours , make your breakfast view all the more delicious with flash of red among the branches .
6. Sheltered Ground Feeding Areas
cardinal prefer feeding near to protective cover in Ohio yards . Unlike some birds , these ruby - colored beauties often scrounge on the ground , searching for fallen seeds and insect while staying near escape path . make a feeding zone by scattering seeds under shrubs or near brush piles . Many Ohio bird watchers have success with this approach , particularly during snowy time period when cardinals become more visible against the white backdrop as they seek for food in these protected areas .
7. Brush Piles
Humble brushwood piles make five - ace accommodations for cardinal in Ohio gardens . These natural structures provide instant shelter from predators and rough weather while creating microhabitats for insects that cardinals love to eat . pile fallen branch in a loose Great Pyramid form about three feet high . Throughout the Buckeye State , gardeners who keep brushwood piles describe importantly increased cardinal sighting , especially during winter calendar month when these protective haven become important endurance zones for our red - feather friend .
8. Safflower Seed Stations
Safflower seeds have become the clandestine arm of Ohio cardinal number enthusiasts . These white seeds have a somewhat acrimonious taste that squirrels and grackles typically avoid , but cardinals absolutely love them , make a targeted feeding place . Offer false saffron in platform feeder or scattered on raised surfaces . Many Ohio backyard bird watcher switch to these seed entirely during summer calendar month when problem birds become more aggressive at feeders , ensuring their central visitors can dine in peace without contest .
9. Sunlit Open Spaces
cardinal appreciate cheery clearings next to protective cover in Ohio landscapes . These brilliant bird often use these spaces for dust bathing , preening , and soak up warmth , especially during cooler calendar month . Create a small glade near shrubs or trees where cardinals can experience safe . Throughout the Buckeye State , bird watchers notice increased central activity in these sunny spots during former mornings , when the birds seem to enjoy enjoy in the first warming rays while remaining near to escape routes .
10. Native Fruit-Bearing Shrubs
Viburnums , bourtree , and winterberries supply natural nutrient beginning that Ohio cardinals trust on . These native shrub produce berry at different times , creating a uninterrupted counter through changing season when cardinal necessitate extra nutrition . Plant several varieties for year - round Chuck Berry production . Many Ohio gardeners report that winterberry holly becomes particularly of import during January and February , when its brilliant red berries stand out against the snow and provide essential Calorie for cardinals when other food sources are depleted .
11. Nesting Material Stations
Cardinals build cup - shaped nest using branchlet , grass , and bark in Ohio yards . During breeding time of year , which runs from March through August in the Buckeye State , providing nesting materials can draw mating pair to your property . make a nesting station by fill a suet coop with natural fibers , pet fur , and small branchlet . The . was enjoyed by enthusiast
12. Tiered Vegetation Layers
Cardinals thrive in Ohio yards with wide-ranging works heights make natural layers . This tiered approach provides multiple feeding zones , protective screen , and nesting site that make cardinals feel unafraid throughout their daily activities . Combine grandiloquent trees , average shrubs , and land - level plants in your landscape painting design . Many Ohio gardener who enforce this superimposed approach report cardinal families establishing permanent territories in their yards , bring twelvemonth - unit of ammunition colour and song even during the province ’s harsh winter calendar month .
13. Mealworm Feeders
Live or dry mealworm provide protein - rich treats that Ohio cardinal peculiarly value during nesting time of year . These alimentary morsel help parent birds keep their growing chick healthy and potent through spring and early summer . proffer mealworm in small dishes or specialised feeder near shrubs . Throughout the Buckeye State , bird enthusiasts notice that supply this high - protein nutrient source often leads to more successful central brood in their yard , with parent making frequent trips to collect these nutritious dainty for their athirst nestlings .
14. Protected Feeding Ledges
Window - mounted or cover feeding Stations of the Cross provide safe dining musca volitans for cardinal in Ohio . These sheltered ledges proffer protection from precipitation and allow cardinal to feed comfortably during rain or snow when land feeding becomes challenging . Install feeding shelves about five foot off the ground near window . Many Ohio bird watchers who provide these covered dining area enjoy close - up views of cardinals throughout the year , noting how these birds seem to develop comfort with human front when they can feed in sheltered , reproducible locations .
15. Quiet Garden Areas
Cardinals take account peaceable zone away from eminent traffic and dissonance in Ohio properties . These shy birds often avoid chaotic areas , preferring to establish territories in quieter corner where they can sing , nest , and feed without frequent disturbances . Create a designated low - action geographical zone in your yard . The . was reported by enthusiasts
16. Cracked Corn Offerings
crack maize scattered in ground eating areas attracts cardinals throughout Ohio ’s changing seasons . This low-cost alternative supply carbohydrates that help cardinal maintain energy , particularly during cold winter months when calorie necessitate increase dramatically . Sprinkle corn in protected area near shrubs or brush piles . Many Ohio backyard fowl enthusiast notice that while cardinal may not be as immediately drawn to maize as to sunflower seeds , they on a regular basis include these alimentary kernels in their foraging routine when available consistently .
17. Water Drippers or Misters
Moving water make an irresistible attraction for cardinals in Ohio gardens . The sound of dripping or mist water catches their attention from impressive distance , pull them to your yard even if they were n’t regular visitor before . Add a simple dripper to your bird bathtub or install a misting attachment . Throughout the Buckeye State , fowl enthusiasts describe that these water features become particularly important during hot summer months when cardinals seek relief from the heat energy and drought weather that on occasion affect Ohio ’s diverse landscapes .
