How to attract birds to your yard

Do you love to wake up to the sound of songbirds? If you’d like to attract more birds to your yard, the key is to provide them with food, water and shelter. Here’s what you need to know.

Food
It may take several weeks for the local birdlife to notice but hanging a feeder or two is a surefire way to attract them to your yard. Fill the birdfeeders with nutrient-rich seeds like black-oil sunflower, safflower and thistle. Avoid buying premixed birdseed from a big box store, as they’re usually packed with filler that birds don’t enjoy.

Water
Some birds are happy to use a birdbath, but the sound of moving water is a better way to signal that a drink and bath is available. Fountains, drippers and misters are readily available at pet supply stores.

Shelter
Wild birds need safe places to raise their young and to protect themselves from predators and the elements. You can provide roost boxes to shelter them from bad weather and birdhouses where they can nest and lay eggs.

Finally, consider planting native shrubs and flowers in your yard. These will provide both food and shelter for local birds and require very little maintenance.

How to attract hummingbirds
While native, nectar-producing flowers will help attract hummingbirds, another way to invite these tiny birds to your yard is to hang feeders filled with nectar. Simply boil four parts water with one part white sugar for about two minutes, and fill the feeder. Be sure to change the sugar-water regularly.