Many people would love to attract birds to their back yards to brighten up the area with their beautiful colors and enchanting songs. Birds have a few simple needs, food, shelter, water and nests. If you provide these simple elements, your backyard will be a great place for birds to live and thrive.



Birds typically eat insects, seeds, fruits, nuts and berries. When you are planning your backyard environment, you should include species of flowers to attract insects and spiders. For fruits, nuts and berries, chooses a variety of plants, shrubs and trees which will continue to produce food as the seasons change. Another option is birdfeeders. The most common food for birdfeeders is sunflower seeds along with corn and millet. There are different styles of birdfeeders with different feeding areas to attract various species of birds including hanging feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders and suet (for birds to eat insect) feeders.

Safe water, free of pollutants and away from predators is extremely important to birds. Birds use water for drinking, bathing and cleaning their feathers. If you choose a birdbath, make sure it has some rough edges so the birds can get solid footing Birds are attracted to the sound of running or moving water so if you are lucky enough to have a stream, you have a great start. Ponds or pools should have stones, pebbles or sand for the birds.

Providing shelter or cover will protect the birds when they feed and nest. Many birds like to scrounge for food on the ground and look for areas where they can't be seen by potential enemies. They also need place to build their nests. A combination of dense twigs, shrubs, plants and trees along with thorny plants such as roses with shield the birds. You should also have some open grassy areas. The greenery and shrubbery will also provide great nesting material for the wild birds. You can also set up nest boxes which will provide a place for hole-nesters and their babies since most backyards won't have their normal habitat, dead trees. You can also either buy or build bird houses in your backyard, providing a safe haven from the wind, rain and cold.

One of the simplest ways not to scare birds away from your backyard and providing happy safe area to raise their young is to keep other animals away, especially cats. Following these easy tips and you will be able to enjoy many wild birds calling your backyard home.