How to Attract Birds to your garden
Food - The simplest way to attract birds
is to provide a birdfeeder with seeds. A variety of seeds will provide the largest
variety of birds. Common choices are sunflower, niger, millet, suet, and corn.
Different types of feeders suit different birds, and can be purchased or made
from simple plans. To attract small clinging birds, provide hanging feeders
with small access holes. Some birds, such as juncos, prefer open tray feeders,
or seed scattered on the ground.
Natural vegetation- provides berries, seeds and insects. (See list below)
Water - Provide water year round if possible. . A variety of water sources attracts the largest variety of birds. Open baths, fountains, drippers/misters, and ponds are all useful. Robins, for example, won't eat food put out by people, but will appreciate a birdbath very much.
Shelter/raising young - Provide birdhouses, trees (living and dead), brush piles, and shrubs, especially near food, or between nests and food. Dead trees provide perches and homes for many birds.