Birds can be attracted to your home and surroundings simply by offering food, water and shelter.  The three most important ingredients for all living creatures.  I want to share with you how I have crated a paradise in my own backyard that is loaded with birds year round.

First – You must discover what species of birds live in your area.  You also must know that some of these species you discover will come and go depending on what time of year it is and whether they are migrant birds or birds that live near you year round.  There are several ways to go about this discovery but one of the easiest ways to get this information is from your local Audubon Society.  They will most likely have a bird list specific to your area and loads of information on those specific birds.

Second – You must find out which species of birds live in your specific habitat.  Do live in a wooded area?  Is it a mixed forest with conifers and deciduous trees or maybe more of a savannah with grasses and Oak or Maple trees?  Do you live on a farm in the country or in a big city neighborhood?  Different species of birds are adapted to different environments and this will be a defining factor in your decisions on which birds you want to attract to your yard and what kind of feeders and birdhouses you will put up.  A good field guide to birds will be invaluable in this respect.

Third – So you know which birds live in your area and may be attracted to your yard in your specific habitat, now what?  You need to put up some bird feeders!  Birds can live very easily without you putting up bird feeders in your yard but you want to see them don't you?  If you want to see them, you have to get them closer to your house.  This requires that you put up some bird feeders, but which ones?  There are so many different kinds.  The best thing to do is put up a variety of feeders if they are appropriate for your habitat.  Here are a few suggestions.

• a starling-resistant suet feeder
• a house or tube feeder for sunflower seed
• a bluebird feeder
• a wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts
• a nectar feeder
• a tube feeder for thistle
• a stationary or tray fruit feeder
• a house or platform feeder for millet

Fourth – Whatever types of feeders you install, make sure they are safe from predators.  Cats are the number one killer of songbirds.  Make sure your bird feeders are safe from cats or better yet, keep your cats indoors.  If you have squirrels around, make sure you mount your bird feeders so the squirrels can't get to them or purchase squirrel proof bird feeders.

Fifth – Water is essential for birds.  Not only do most birds need water to survive, they love to bath in it!  Even without putting up bird feeders, you can attract many birds by installing a bird bath or fountain in your yard.  If you have the choice, install a fountain or a waterfall as moving water will not only attract more birds but you will also attract other wildlife as well.

Sixth – Shelter for your birds.  If you want to enjoy bird watching to the fullest degree, you must put up birdhouses.  The thrill of watching birds go through their mating rituals and raising their young is unforgettable.  There are birdhouses for all different species of cavity nesting birds.  It is important to note however that not all birds use birdhouses.  It is also important to choose only birdhouses that are safe and built specifically for the species of bird you want to raise.

Seventh – Landscape for the birds.  If you have the ability to landscape around your house, use native plants that attract wild birds.  You can get a list of plants for your area from a local nursery or arbor society.