“What’s one unexpected bird species that started visiting your sanctuary? How did you adapt your space to better accommodate it?”
Cedar Waxwing
One bird I didn’t plan for was the Cedar Waxwing. I didn’t have them in mind at all—most of my setup was for common backyard birds like finches, chickadees and sparrows. But one summer a small flock of waxwings showed up, drawn by my neighbor’s mulberry tree, and they started visiting regularly.
These birds love berries and fruit which I hadn’t included much of in my original landscaping. To accommodate them I added native fruiting shrubs like serviceberry and elderberry and a couple of small crabapple trees. I also started putting out sliced oranges and grapes on a platform feeder during the summer months and it was an instant hit.
Since Cedar Waxwings are social and flock together I created more open perching areas by trimming some dense branches and adding a birdbath with a gentle fountain for fresh water. The waxwings stayed longer and their presence attracted other fruit loving birds too.
Adapting the space for them made the sanctuary feel more alive and diverse and honestly their sleek plumage and silky calls were a bonus. I was reminded to be flexible and listen to nature’s cues instead of sticking to the plan.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
American kestrel
One unexpected bird species that started visiting our sanctuary was the American kestrel. At first, we didn’t know what to expect, as they’re usually more solitary and prefer open fields over wooded areas. However, after observing their behavior, we realized they were hunting small rodents around the perimeter. To accommodate them, we installed additional perches and platforms at higher elevations, providing more space for them to scout and rest.
We also added a few more open areas with short grass to mimic their natural hunting grounds. Over time, the kestrels became regular visitors, and the adjustments allowed them to feel more at ease. Their presence has been a pleasant surprise, reminding me how adaptable bird species can be when given the right environment. It’s been a rewarding experience to see how small changes in habitat can make a big difference in attracting new species.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
