Birds make the garden a lively and pleasant place to be. Entice these winged visitors to your garden by providing food sources and accommodations. Try these tips to encourage birds into your yard.
Offer bird feeders
All types of garden birds will flock to your yard if you put out tasty feed—especially during times of food scarcity. Bird feeders also provide an opportunity to view the birds eating. Tube-style bird feeders are a good choice because they attract a lot of birds. If you have squirrels, try a squirrel-proof feeder. Place bird feeders where you can see them, but 12 to 15 feet from windows and up high away from predators. If you will be hanging a bird feeder over an area with vegetation, consider using shell-less birdseed, which creates less mess and doesn’t inhibit plant growth like shell types of birdseed.
Provide a water source
Birds require water for drinking and bathing. Good sources of water include a birdbath, providing that you change the water every two or three days, as well as a circulating fountain or pond with a gradual, sloped entry and a shallow area. Position the water source at least 10 feet from shrubbery, where predators might hide.
Grow native plants
A good selection of native plants provides year-round food for the birds and give feathered creatures the opportunity to dine on nuts, berries, seeds and nectar. Choose a variety of native plants, including evergreen trees and shrubs where they can seek cover, and flowering plants that provide nectar and its nutrients.
Make a wildlife garden
A wildlife garden offers birds a habitat where they can seek shelter, sleep and even lay their eggs. Plants that produce flowers and fruit and provide a safe place to stay are best for attracting and keeping birds.
Birds seek shelter to create their nests in the late winter and early spring. Take advantage of this productive time of year by putting out nesting boxes. Ensure that they have ventilation and drainage holes and mount them at least 4 to 6 feet off of the ground.
Avoid using insecticides
Opt for less toxic means of controlling insects in the yard, such as spraying with water. Insects are a primary protein source for growing birds. Allow a tolerable level of insects in the yard so that the birds have something to eat.
