Did you know there are over 11,00 species of birds? Are you looking to attract some of these to your yard?
Then get comfortable and keep reading as we go over how to attract birds in four simple steps.
1. Have Water Available
Having a readily available supply of water is sure to attract birds to your yard. You can do this by adding a birdbath to your yard, or by setting out a shallow container of water.
During the summer months, be sure to empty and refill your birdbath or containers daily.
2. Feed the Birds
The next step to encouraging birds in your garden is to make sure they have access to food. Bird feeders come in all different styles, like seed feeders, nectar feeders, etc. A variety of feeders and feeds may be needed in order to attract different kinds of birds. You can also provide fruit, like raisins, in order to attract berry-eating birds like bluebirds and robins.
Another way to help make sure your feathered friends have access to food is by including native species in your landscaping. This can help provide seeds, nuts, and other foliage birds eat year-round. You can learn more about your area’s native species here.
3. Provide Shelter
If you want birds in your backyard all the time be sure they have somewhere they can feel secure and safe from predators. There are a couple of ways to do this. The first way is to provide a birdhouse based on what you want to attract like:
- Nesting boxes
- Owl boxes
- Bat houses
- Nest ledges
You can also build a brush pile in a corner of your yard. This not only provides shelter for some birds but it can also help feed them since it will also attract insects.
4. Mow Your Lawn Less
The less you mow your lawn the more your yard’s natural ecosystem can develop. This allows birds more opportunities to find insects, have cover from predators, and have more materials to build nests.
If you live in an area that requires you to mow your lawn regularly, consider leaving a patch towards the back of your property for “weeds”.
More Tips on How to Attract Birds
If you have an outdoor cat be mindful of where you place bird feeders and nesting boxes. Be sure they are in an area where birds can easily see predators and can be protected by branches. Be sure to feed your cat well, that way they are less tempted to kill the birds.
If you’re using a nectar feeder for hummingbirds be mindful of what you put in them since red dyes can harm them. Using a mixture of just water and sugar works well for hummingbirds.
We hope this short guide on how to attract birds has been helpful for you. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for tips on all of your animal friends. Don’t forget to share this one with your friends on social media.