While great spring weather is in full swing, Texas backyard birds are active as ever in our courtyards and outdoor spaces. As a result, we encourage seniors to get moving and enjoy the outdoors. Not only is birding an enjoyable pastime, but it also provides ample opportunities for seniors to stay physically active and engaged with their community.
Texas Backyard Birds
One of the greatest joys of birding lies in its simplicity. At its most basic form, all you need to do is look up to see birds in your area! Whether you’re in a bustling city or the serenity of a park, birds are everywhere. Here are some of our favorite common feathered friends.
Northern Cardinal in Texas
These medium-sized, beautiful songbirds have a distinctive crest on their head with a reddish bill and black face. However, males are bright red while females are pale brown with warm reddish accents on their wings, tails, and crest. They’re found across most of Texas and are known for their beautiful songs and active personalities.
Eastern Bluebird in Texas
This small thrush species has a bright blue back and a rusty-red breast. They can be found in open woodlands, meadows, and along fence lines. As a result, eastern bluebirds are cavity nesters and will readily use nest boxes. They feed mainly on insects and have a gentle, warbling song.
Black-Crested Titmouse in Texas
These small, gray birds have a distinctive black crest on their head and are often seen in oak and mesquite woodlands. However, they are prominent throughout central Texas and feed mainly on insects, seeds, and nuts and are known for their acrobatic antics and lively songs.
Carolina Chickadee in Texas
This small, non-migratory bird has a distinctive black cap, white cheeks, and grayish-brown feathers. They’re known for their lively curiosity and sweet-sounding songs. Carolina chickadees are often found in deciduous and mixed forests, where they feed on insects, seeds, and berries.
Northern Mockingbird in Texas
The state bird of Texas, this medium-sized bird has grayish-brown back and wings and a white belly. Known as “The King of Song,” the northern mockingbird has incredible vocal abilities, mimicking the songs of birds and nearby sounds. They’re often found in open areas like parks and gardens and feed on insects, fruits, and seeds.
Helpful Gear to See Texas Backyard Birds
When it comes to backyard birding, no gear is really necessary. But binoculars can be extremely helpful for seniors to identify and observe Texas birds. Therefore, we recommend using a pair of binoculars with 8×42 magnification.
Feeders and bird baths are great at attracting birds to your backyard. As a result, when shopping for seeds look for mixes that include sunflower, nyjer, peanuts, millet, cracked corn, and safflower to attract the widest variety of birds. Place your feeders in a quiet area with high visibility for bird watching and easy access to refill.
Backyard birding is a special hobby for seniors to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from their homes. In addition, birding also provides ample opportunities for seniors to explore new nature areas, stay physically active, and engaged with their community.
Are you looking for a new place to call home with lush outdoor spaces and a supportive community of seniors to share your interests? Then come visit our locations across Texas and experience the New Haven difference.
