“What’s one surprising fact you learned about local bird species through your backyard birding? How did this knowledge change your approach to attracting and observing birds?”
Homemade sugar water many of us offer hummingbirds can often do more harm than good
One surprising—and honestly unsettling—fact I learned through backyard birding is that the homemade sugar water many of us offer hummingbirds can often do more harm than good. I had always assumed that providing a feeder was a simple act of kindness. But unless the ratio is exact (typically 1 part sugar to 4 parts water), and the mixture is changed daily, it can lead to fermentation, bacteria growth, and even fatal fungal infections for these tiny creatures. Worse, red dye additives can harm their livers. It changed everything about how I approach helping them.
Now, instead of relying on feeders, I focus on planting native, nectar-rich flowers they naturally seek—like bee balm, columbine, salvia, and coral honeysuckle. These not only provide the nutrition they need but also support the greater ecosystem.
Another fact that truly stayed with me: hummingbird nests are incredibly small and often hidden in the fork of branches or even sheltered near human structures. One spring, while trimming back a tree, I nearly disturbed a nest camouflaged in moss and spider silk. Since then, I delay heavy pruning until well after nesting season and always do a careful scan before working.
Learning these details has made me far more thoughtful—not just about attracting birds, but about truly respecting their space. I still get the joy of watching them hover and sip, but now I know I’m supporting their health, not just my love of the view.
Kristen Manieri, Owner, Easy Breezy Porch Swings
Many local bird species migrate to different regions depending on the season
One fascinating discovery I made through backyard birding is that many local bird species migrate to different regions depending on the season. This means that the types of birds I may see in my backyard can vary throughout the year.
This knowledge has changed my approach to attracting and observing birds because now I know that I need to provide a variety of food and shelter options for the different types of birds that may visit.
For example, certain birds may prefer seeds while others may prefer insects or fruits. By offering a diverse range of foods, I have been able to attract a greater variety of bird species to my backyard.
Geremy Yamamoto, Founder, Eazy House Sale
The Anna’s Hummingbirds in my Bay Area backyard don’t migrate south for winter like I’d always assumed
Last spring, I realized something surprising about the Anna’s Hummingbirds in my Bay Area backyard. They don’t migrate south for winter like I’d always assumed—they stick around all year and somehow handle our chilly Northern California winters.
I saw it for myself on a freezing December morning. There was a male Anna’s perched right by my window, his magenta throat catching the winter light while frost covered the ground near my feeder.
That moment changed how I approach backyard birding. Now, I keep heated hummingbird feeders out all winter and tuck them under the eaves for extra protection.
When it gets really cold, I end up rotating the feeders every few hours so the nectar doesn’t freeze solid. The idea that these tiny birds—weighing less than a nickel—can survive near-freezing nights by slipping into a torpor state still blows my mind.
I can’t help but admire their resilience. They’re just so adaptable.
If you’re new to watching birds, I’d say this: The birds in your backyard have secrets to share if you’re patient enough to learn their language.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
Many native bird species prefer “messy” habitats over perfectly manicured landscapes
The most surprising discovery was learning that many native bird species prefer “messy” habitats over perfectly manicured landscapes, completely transforming my approach to backyard conservation. While researching grant opportunities for urban wildlife programs, I realized that birds thrive in environments with fallen leaves, native seed heads, and brush piles that most homeowners consider unsightly. This knowledge shifted my strategy from creating picture-perfect gardens to designing functional ecosystems that serve both wildlife and community education purposes.
The parallel to grant writing is striking: the most successful proposals often embrace authentic community needs rather than polished presentations that look good but lack substance. I began leaving strategic “wild zones” in my yard and documenting the increased bird diversity, which became compelling evidence for environmental education grants I later wrote. This experience taught me that effective conservation, like successful fundraising, requires understanding your audience’s true needs rather than imposing preconceived notions of what success should look like. That’s how impactful grants fuel mission success.
Ydette Macaraeg, Part-time Marketing Coordinator, ERI Grants
The time of day affects which species visit
One surprising fact I learned through backyard birding is how much the time of day affects which species visit. I used to think birds came out randomly, but after tracking my observations, I realized that certain species, like robins, are most active during the early morning, while others, like woodpeckers, prefer the late afternoon.
This insight shifted how I set up my bird feeders and birdbaths. I now place more food in the early morning for the robins and adjust the types of seeds based on what I know each bird prefers during different times of the day. It also helped me become more patient and strategic in observing, as I began scheduling my time around peak activity hours. Understanding these patterns has led to more diverse bird visitors and has enhanced my overall birdwatching experience.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
They’ve memorized a whole mental map of nectar-rich spots
One morning, while reviewing a listing in a lush Condesa garden apartment, I noticed a tiny flash of iridescent green darting from a balcony planter. It was a Berylline Hummingbird — not just beautiful, but territorial. What I learned next blew me away: in Mexico City’s microclimates, some hummingbird species will revisit the exact same plant at timed intervals of 20 to 30 minutes. They’ve memorized a whole mental map of nectar-rich spots — even in the middle of urban chaos.
That insight changed how I positioned properties on RentMexicoCity.com. I started mentioning the native plants that attract hummingbirds — like salvias and trumpet vines — in descriptions of apartments with private terraces or roof gardens. I also suggested to a few landlords to install small feeders or flowering vines. Not only did this enhance the livability of the space, but it helped potential tenants feel an emotional connection during showings.
We saw a 17% increase in engagement for listings that highlighted garden or terrace ecosystems. It turns out, people don’t just want a place to live — they want a small daily miracle, like a hummingbird at breakfast. I owe that lesson to one unexpected moment of birding curiosity that took flight into our business strategy.
Martin Weidemann, Owner, RentMexicoCity.com
