How To Attract Birds To Your Yard

If you would like to attract more songbirds, hummingbirds and other types of birds to your yard and have them return year after year then you will need to provide them with a few necessities. Birds need very basic things like food, water and shelter to survive. Sometimes these simple things can be hard to find, especially during the winter months.

Provide Safe Food for Nourishment

Birds need food all year long. Provide a variety of food sources and you will attract a greater assortment of birds to your yard. The type of feed and feeder you use will depend upon the birds you wish to attract and those you with to discourage. Suet is packed with high energy and is essential in keeping birds warm during the winter. There are also many types of birdseed mixtures available. Don't forget natural sources of food such as fruits, berries, insects and other backyard pests. Place a heated bird bath nearby so birds can make themselves at home year-round.

Provide Clean Water for Drinking and Bathing

A reliable source of clean, safe water is essential to survival for birds.They prefer shallow pools of water so they can drink, play and groom themselves. The water should be no more than 3 inches at it's deepest point and the bottom should be rough to insure a safe footing. The soft sounds of dripping or moving water is very attractive to birds and can be accomplished with either a bird bath dripper attached to an existing birdbath or with a multi-tiered bird bath fountain. Whichever you choose, make sure it is placed in a location that is safe from predators such as cats and dogs.

Provide Shelter from Weather and Predators

Shelter, whether you are using a birdhouse or natural landscaping, should provide safety, security and easy access to birds. A birdhouse should be well built, durable, waterproof, cool in summer, warm in winter and easily accessible. Thick, dense bushes and trees provide an excellent natural shelter from wind, rain, snow and predators. A hanging bird bath will allow birds to drink, bathe and then dry their feathers while hidden safely among nearby branches.

Provide a Safe Place for Nesting

If you provide a safe nesting area many birds will visit and some may actually stay to rear their young in your backyard. Most birds rarely stray far from dense cover because their lives can often depend upon a quick escape. Consider including some plants with thorns or prickly leaves in your landscape. Thorny plants provide excellent nesting areas for birds and keep them safe from predators. Include a ground bird bath nearby so birds can safely drink and bathe without straying far from their nest.

Provide Visual Stimulation through Flowers and Landscaping

Birds and butterflies are attracted by brightly colored flowers, shrubs, and trees. Hummingbirds are especially fond of red and orange flowers. Red flowers will also help to attract birds during migration. A sunny landscape with areas broken up by shrubs, flowers, and fruit bearing trees are most likely to attract a variety of birds. Create a beautiful centerpiece in your garden by surrounding a pedestal bird bath with brightly colored flowers and plants.