Attracting Wild Birds to Your Backyard

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Wild Bird - General

Attracting Wild Birds to Your Backyard

Attracting wild birds to your yard is fun and easy, and it can be as simple as hanging a single feeder in your yard. But if you want to attract more birds of greater variety, consider the following suggestions for feeding.

Offer a variety of different foods. Different birds like different assortments of seeds. You can attract many kinds of wild birds to your yard by offering several types of bird foods. Good basic choices are black oil sunflower seed, a quality wild bird mix, thistle seed and suet. But don't stop there. Have fun exploring what other birds you can attract by offering foods such as cracked corn, safflower seed, peanuts and specialty blends. And, don't forget to try hummingbird and oriole foods, too!

Provide an assortment of feeders. Wild birds need to feel comfortable and secure when eating at feeders, so the location of the feeders in your yard is important.

Put up several feeders in your yard. Locate these feeders close to trees and bushes so birds can easily retreat to safety, if needed. There will be less competition at the feeders and you will also be able to offer several varieties of foods.

It's also helpful to select different types of feeders. This is extremely important if you want to attract a wide variety of birds. Depending on the species, some birds prefer the protection of a covered feeder, others prefer the openness of a platform feeder and there are those birds that love to eat from tube or mesh feeders.

You should vary the height of the feeders. Depending on the species, some birds like the security of eating close to the ground, while others prefer the security of higher places. Make sure you use both hooks and mounting poles to support your feeders. Many birds don't mind the swinging motion of a feeder hanging from a hook, but others are easily scared away by the movement.

Always offer a fresh source of water. Birds are naturally attracted to water. They use it for bathing and drinking. Place your shallow birdbath in an open area, near trees and bushes. This will enable the birds to observe any threatening situation and provide a quick get away. The sounds created by fountains, drippers and misters will also help lure birds into your yard.

Provide shelter and protection for your winged guests. Birds need to feel safe or they are not going to come into your yard. Trees, bushes and other plant materials provide a haven for birds. The addition of birdhouses also provides shelter for those species of birds that will use them. By placing a birdhouse in your landscape, you may be rewarded with attracting new varieties of birds that normally don't eat at your feeders.