Cardinals are picky—but in the best way! I’ve added a few things to my yard over the years, and every time, those red beauties show up like clockwork.
It’s the kind of joy that never gets old, especially when they bring their songs along. These features don’t take much, but they make a big difference.
If you love seeing cardinals up close, you’ll want to try this too!
1. Sunflower Seed Feeders
Cardinals can’t resist the nutritious appeal of black oil sunflower seeds. These hearty Ohio birds will visit your yard regularly when these seeds are available, especially during winter months when natural food sources are scarce.
Hang your feeder about five feet off the ground near shrubs for quick escape routes. Many Ohio bird enthusiasts report that platform or hopper-style feeders work best since cardinals prefer having a place to perch while eating.
2. Cardinal-Friendly Bird Baths
Fresh water attracts cardinals like nothing else in the Buckeye State. These bright beauties need water for drinking and bathing year-round, even during Ohio’s coldest months when natural water sources freeze over.
Place your bird bath about three feet off the ground with a rough-textured basin that provides good footing. Add a small heater during winter to keep the water from freezing, creating an oasis that cardinals will flock to when other water sources disappear.
3. Dense Evergreen Shrubs
Cardinals seek security when nesting and roosting in Ohio landscapes. These crimson visitors prefer protective evergreens like arborvitae, juniper, or spruce that offer year-round shelter from predators and harsh weather.
Plant several shrubs together to create a living sanctuary. Throughout the Buckeye State, gardeners notice cardinals particularly appreciate these dense hideaways during winter nights when temperatures plummet and protection from icy winds becomes essential for survival.
4. Cardinal Flower Patches
Named for its brilliant red color matching male cardinals, Lobelia cardinalis thrives in moist Ohio soils. These native perennials produce nectar that attracts insects, which in turn become tasty cardinal snacks during summer months.
Plant these stunning flowers in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture. Ohio gardeners report these vibrant blooms not only draw cardinals but also hummingbirds, creating a lively backyard ecosystem from July through September when the flowers are in their prime.
5. Berry-Producing Trees
Serviceberry, dogwood, and crabapple trees offer seasonal feasts that cardinals adore. The fruits these trees produce become crucial food sources during Ohio’s lean winter months when cardinals need extra calories to maintain body heat.
Plant these trees where you can enjoy watching the birds from your window. Many Ohio bird enthusiasts notice cardinals visiting berry trees most frequently during early morning hours, making your breakfast view all the more delightful with flashes of red among the branches.
6. Sheltered Ground Feeding Areas
Cardinals prefer feeding close to protective cover in Ohio yards. Unlike some birds, these ruby-colored beauties often forage on the ground, searching for fallen seeds and insects while staying near escape routes.
Create a feeding zone by scattering seeds under shrubs or near brush piles. Many Ohio bird watchers have success with this approach, especially during snowy periods when cardinals become more visible against the white backdrop as they search for food in these protected areas.
7. Brush Piles
Humble brush piles create five-star accommodations for cardinals in Ohio gardens. These natural structures provide instant shelter from predators and harsh weather while creating microhabitats for insects that cardinals love to eat.
Stack fallen branches in a loose pyramid shape about three feet high. Throughout the Buckeye State, gardeners who maintain brush piles report significantly increased cardinal sightings, especially during winter months when these protective havens become crucial survival zones for our red-feathered friends.
8. Safflower Seed Stations
Safflower seeds have become the secret weapon of Ohio cardinal enthusiasts. These white seeds have a slightly bitter taste that squirrels and grackles typically avoid, but cardinals absolutely love them, creating a targeted feeding station.
Offer safflower in platform feeders or scattered on raised surfaces. Many Ohio backyard birders switch to these seeds exclusively during summer months when problem birds become more aggressive at feeders, ensuring their cardinal visitors can dine in peace without competition.
9. Sunlit Open Spaces
Cardinals appreciate sunny clearings adjacent to protective cover in Ohio landscapes. These bright birds often use these spaces for dust bathing, preening, and soaking up warmth, especially during cooler months.
Create a small clearing near shrubs or trees where cardinals can feel safe. Throughout the Buckeye State, bird watchers notice increased cardinal activity in these sunny spots during early mornings, when the birds seem to enjoy basking in the first warming rays while remaining close to escape routes.
10. Native Fruit-Bearing Shrubs
Viburnums, elderberries, and winterberries provide natural food sources that Ohio cardinals rely on. These native shrubs produce berries at different times, creating a continuous buffet through changing seasons when cardinals need extra nutrition.
Plant several varieties for year-round berry production. Many Ohio gardeners report that winterberry holly becomes particularly important during January and February, when its bright red berries stand out against the snow and provide essential calories for cardinals when other food sources are depleted.
11. Nesting Material Stations
Cardinals build cup-shaped nests using twigs, grass, and bark in Ohio yards. During breeding season, which runs from March through August in the Buckeye State, providing nesting materials can draw mating pairs to your property.
Create a nesting station by filling a suet cage with natural fibers, pet fur, and small twigs. Ohio bird enthusiasts who provide these materials often enjoy the privilege of watching cardinal families establish territories nearby, bringing multiple generations of these beautiful birds to their yards.
12. Tiered Vegetation Layers
Cardinals thrive in Ohio yards with varied plant heights creating natural layers. This tiered approach provides multiple feeding zones, protective cover, and nesting sites that make cardinals feel secure throughout their daily activities.
Combine tall trees, medium shrubs, and ground-level plants in your landscape design. Many Ohio gardeners who implement this layered approach report cardinal families establishing permanent territories in their yards, bringing year-round color and song even during the state’s harshest winter months.
13. Mealworm Feeders
Live or dried mealworms provide protein-rich treats that Ohio cardinals particularly value during nesting season. These nutritious morsels help parent birds keep their growing chicks healthy and strong through spring and early summer.
Offer mealworms in small dishes or specialized feeders near shrubs. Throughout the Buckeye State, bird enthusiasts notice that providing this high-protein food source often leads to more successful cardinal broods in their yards, with parents making frequent trips to collect these nutritious treats for their hungry nestlings.
14. Protected Feeding Ledges
Window-mounted or covered feeding stations provide safe dining spots for cardinals in Ohio. These sheltered ledges offer protection from precipitation and allow cardinals to feed comfortably during rain or snow when ground feeding becomes challenging.
Install feeding shelves about five feet off the ground near windows. Many Ohio bird watchers who provide these covered dining areas enjoy close-up views of cardinals throughout the year, noting how these birds seem to develop comfort with human presence when they can feed in sheltered, consistent locations.
15. Quiet Garden Areas
Cardinals appreciate peaceful zones away from high traffic and noise in Ohio properties. These shy birds often avoid chaotic areas, preferring to establish territories in quieter corners where they can sing, nest, and feed without frequent disturbances.
Create a designated low-activity zone in your yard. Buckeye State bird enthusiasts who establish these tranquil spaces often report more consistent cardinal visits, especially during breeding season when the birds become more cautious and protective of their vulnerable young.
16. Cracked Corn Offerings
Cracked corn scattered in ground feeding areas attracts cardinals throughout Ohio’s changing seasons. This affordable option provides carbohydrates that help cardinals maintain energy, especially during cold winter months when calorie needs increase dramatically.
Sprinkle corn in protected areas near shrubs or brush piles. Many Ohio backyard bird enthusiasts notice that while cardinals may not be as immediately drawn to corn as to sunflower seeds, they regularly include these nutritious kernels in their foraging routine when available consistently.
17. Water Drippers or Misters
Moving water creates an irresistible attraction for cardinals in Ohio gardens. The sound of dripping or misting water catches their attention from impressive distances, drawing them to your yard even if they weren’t regular visitors before.
Add a simple dripper to your bird bath or install a misting attachment. Throughout the Buckeye State, bird enthusiasts report that these water features become particularly important during hot summer months when cardinals seek relief from the heat and drought conditions that occasionally affect Ohio’s diverse landscapes.