Attracting Wild Birds into Your Backyard

Beginning birders often make the mistake of thinking that all they need to do is put up a bird feeder or two, and wild birds will flock to their backyard. Although food is one of the key elements in enticing wild birds to visit, it's not the only one. The others are water, shelter, and nesting boxes. Additionally, to be successful in attracting the greatest variety of wild birds to your backyard, you need to create a diverse habitat.

Let's take a look at each aspect of attracting wild birds to your backyard.

1. FOOD

There is no one-size-fits-all food for a wild bird buffet. Some birds are primarily insect eaters, some are nectar sippers, and others like to dine on fruit, berries and nuts. Not only that, but different birds favor different types of seed! Offer a variety of food for lots of different wild birds, or read up on the food preferences of the ones you'd most like to entice.

2. WATER

Wild birds need a place to bathe and take a cool sip of water on a hot day. They're especially attracted to shallow, moving water, so adding a mister or circulating pump to a birdbath or pan of water will create a sound that wild birds find inviting and irresistible.

3. SHELTER

Wild birds will feel more secure in your backyard if you offer them protection from the wind, cold and predators. Make sure there are places for them to hide near your bird feeders, in case of a predator attack. Planting shrubs and trees that produce berries or fruit offers an added bonus for the birds.

4. NESTING BOXES

Some wild birds like to build their own nest, while others will happily use a nesting box or birdhouse provided by humans. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of sizes and types available, and many wild birds have a specific preference. Become familiar with the species of wild birds found in your neighborhood before choosing which style of nesting box to offer them. It's a good idea to provide the birds with some of their preferred nesting materials, too.

5. DIVERSE HABITAT

Creating several different habitats in your backyard will increase the variety of wild birds who feel at home there. To attract the most wild birds, provide food, water, shelter and nesting boxes at three levels: on the ground, in shrubs and in trees.

Pay close attention to these five elements, and before long you'll have plenty of wild birds making themselves right at home in your backyard.