You’ll Get a Hoot Out of These Birding-Friendly Homes

Having a hobby you’re passionate about can influence a lot of things in your life, including where you choose to live. Birding may be one such hobby, and we’ve found some homes that are either near great areas to spot some feathered friends, or homes that include some impressive bird feeder setups. Ready? Let’s fly!

What is birdwatching? 

Birdwatching, also called “birding,” was once considered a niche hobby, but spending time outdoors (or even indoors by your window) admiring birds has become very popular in recent years. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 96 million American adults engaged in birding in 2022. That’s 37% of people over 16!

We’ll be referencing eBird throughout this article, which is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s free website and app that birders use to log their sightings and where they saw said birds, also called “hotspots.” eBird users can log historical sightings going back to 1900, but the lion’s share of species counts are from the last few decades, or years.

Live in a hotspot — South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is a major stop for migratory birds along the United States’ central flyway (one of the most used paths) — oftentimes being the first piece of land birds roost at after crossing the Gulf of Mexico, or the last fueling stop before flying southbound for the winter. The eBird hotspot for the South Padre Island Convention Center has seen 385 species recorded over the decades, making it one of the “birdiest” places in Texas. During migration, you may see warblers, grosbeaks, and dozens of rare species in huge numbers.

Enjoy the waterfowl — Folsom, LA

Louisiana sits right along the Mississippi Flyway, another significant migration route for birds in North America. During peak migration, more than 10.5 million birds can move over southern Louisiana. A property that attracts these fly-by-nights (along with year-round resident birds) could be a birding enthusiast’s dream. Imagine seeing a Least Bittern or an iconic Roseate Spoonbill when you go outside for some fresh air! 

Provide some water in the desert — Nogales, AZ

Southeast Arizona is another very popular birding destination. Arizona is home to a few species that you can’t find in many other parts of the U.S. (like the Arizona Woodpecker), but they are plentiful in Mexico. Instead of traveling across the border, some birders visit Arizona to see these species. Patagonia Lake State Park — 90 minutes south of Tucson — has seen more than 220 bird species so far this year according to eBird, so living in the area could be great for a bird lover.

Bring the birds to you — Miltion-Freewater, OR

Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Milton-Freewater sits where the North and South Forks of the Walla Walla River come together, with the mountains and the wider Umatilla County hotspots (some 325 species logged in total) an easy drive away. 

Spot birds from any room — Girdwood, AK

Because of Alaska’s unique and vast environment, it’s the exclusive breeding ground to various bird species, and the only place in the world where you can see the tiny McKay’s Bunting. The Turnagain Arm near Anchorage is especially popular during migration, as thousands of birds funnel through there on their way north and south. There are dozens of hotspots for this area on eBird, but Potter Marsh is one of the more popular. 

How can I attract birds to my home? 

A property can be a bird haven even without acres and acres of forest in your backyard. Whether you're on a wooded lot or a plot in the city, a few thoughtful changes can bring birds to your windows year-round. Here's how to attract birds to your yard:

1. Offer the right food

Feeders are the fastest way to draw birds in, but the seed matters as much: 

• Black-oil sunflower seed is an all-purpose food that appeals to the widest range of backyard birds.
• Nyjer (thistle) seed can attract birds like goldfinches and pine siskins.
• Suet can be a magnet for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
• Nectar feeders (a simple 4:1 water-to-sugar mix, no dye) can bring in hummingbirds.

It can be helpful to offer a variety of feeder types at different heights to serve ground feeders, perching birds, and birds who like to cling while they eat. (Keep in mind, it can still take weeks to months to see any birds at your feeders.)

2. Provide a reliable water source

Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and a good water feature can make your garden pretty popular. A shallow bird bath (no more than two inches deep) works well. The sound of moving water from a dripper, mister, or small fountain is especially effective at catching a passing bird's attention.

3. Plant native species

Native plants are the foundation of a bird-friendly yard. They provide food and cover, and attract the insects that some birds depend on.

• Choose berry- and seed-producing shrubs and trees native to your region.
• Add native flowers that go to seed, like coneflowers and sunflowers.
• Skip the manicured lawn in favor of layered plantings like groundcover, shrubs, and canopy. This can help the birds when they need places to hide from predators and shelter from weather. 

Your regional native plant society or a local Audubon chapter can point you to the best greenery for your area.

How to find a bird-friendly home

You can use Zillow to explore homes for sale that are tucked into a migratory flyway, sit near a pond, or include a manmade feature that birds will love. Try the keyword search filter to find listings with features like "mature trees," "creek," "bird feeders," or "wooded lot,” and save your search to get alerts the moment a new match hits the market. You can also beef up your home search by discovering your BuyAbility℠, so you’ll know which homes fall into your budget and you can shop with more confidence.