Colorado is an incredible place for backyard birdwatching. Bringing more birds to your yard is simple and adds daily beauty, movement, and a little joy to your outdoor space. With the right feeders and food, you can attract colorful species all year long. This guide shares easy tips to help you create a bird-friendly setup you will love watching from your own window.
Birds You Are Likely to See in Colorado Backyards
Colorado has many beautiful backyard birds you might spot throughout the year. Here are a few of the most common species and what they love to eat.
Black-capped Chickadee
Friendly, curious, and seen year-round.
They love: sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts.
House Finch
They love: mixed seeds, especially sunflower and safflower.
Steller's Jay
They love: peanuts, suet blocks, large seed mixes.
Mountain Bluebird
They love: mealworms, soft insect-based feed.
Downy Woodpecker
They love: suet cakes, peanuts, and sunflower chips.
Choose the Right Feeder for the Birds You Want to Attract
Different species prefer different feeder styles.
Tube Feeders
Perfect for small perching birds like chickadees and finches.
Benefits: clean dispensing, easy refills, squirrel-resistant options available.
Hopper Feeders
Looks like a small house with a large seed capacity.
Great for mixed species and ideal for families who want minimal refilling.
Platform Feeders
Open style feeders that welcome many types of birds.
Best for: jays, grosbeaks, and larger doves.
Suet Feeders
Designed for suet cakes that provide extra energy in cooler weather.
Attracts: woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees.
Choosing the Best Food for Colorado Birds
Feeding the right seed is the simplest way to attract more birds. Here is what works best in Colorado.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
The number one choice for most backyard birds. High energy and widely loved.
Nyjer Seed
Tiny seeds perfect for finches and siskins. Best used in a specialized Nyjer tube feeder.
Peanuts
Important in fall and winter because they provide essential fat and warmth.
Suet Cakes
Shelled or unshelled peanuts attract jays, woodpeckers, and magpies.
Extra Steps to Create a Bird-Friendly Space
Step 1: Keep Your Feeders Clean
Cleaning prevents disease and mold. Wash feeders every two weeks with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
Step 2: Provide Fresh Water
Birds need water just as much as food. A shallow dish, heated bird bath, or simple outdoor bowl can attract species that might not visit your feeder.
Step 3: Use Baffles or Squirrel-Resistant Feeders
Squirrels can empty feeders quickly. Colorado Ace offers several options that protect your seed supply and keep birds coming back.
Step 4: Add Native Plants
Shrubs, trees, and flowering plants give birds natural shelter and food. Even a few native plants increase visits.
Turn Your Backyard Into a Friendly Bird Sanctuary
Building a backyard bird habitat in Colorado is fun, easy, and incredibly rewarding. With the right feeder setup and a thoughtful selection of food, you can welcome a vibrant community of local species to your outdoor space. Colorado Ace Hardware carries everything you need, from sturdy feeders to region-specific seed blends, along with friendly advice from a team that loves Colorado wildlife. Visit your neighborhood Colorado Ace Hardware to explore feeders, seed mixes, and birding accessories that help bring more life to your backyard. You can also visit our departments page to shop for household goods or our services page to explore our offerings. And to save on your next purchase, check out our current offers here.
