There are lots of different ways to attract birds to your garden. The easiest way is to give them the food they love and a place away from any predators for them to eat. Bird feeders are perfect for providing food for them. They can be especially useful for the birds in the winter when they can’t find natural foods.
Feeding stations, containing favorite foods, can be set up to attract different species. Examples of speciality feeders include thistle feeders to hold the tiny thistle seeds that finches love. Spillage can be prevented by using tube feeders which also keep the seeds dry and mold free. Enjoy the sight of the birds feeding from your home by using a window feeder.
There are bird feeders available that have been specially designed for woodpeckers,goldfinches and hummingbirds. Place them somewhere safe and close to your birdhouse. Always check the food in your feeder daily to ensure it is dry and free from mould. Regularly clean up spilled food as it will attract wasps, ants and other pests.
It is most beneficial to feed the birds in the winter but food can be in short supply at other times of the year too. Help the wild birds by providing food for them all through the year. Make sure you put out food suitable for fledglings in the breeding season.
The birds will love to drink or bathe in water pans or bird baths that you provide for them. You should provide water in containers at different levels for different species. Place containers shallowly filled with water in a quiet place away from bird feeders as birds do not like noise when they are bathing. Birds will be attracted by the sounds of water running. Place a water dripper on your bird bath to attract the birds.
Wild birds will feel much more secure in a natural environment which you can easily provide. Leaving an area to grow naturally with wild flowers and trees will provide an attractive place for them.
