Good gardeners know that birds can be a very beneficial part of a garden. Birds kill insects that can destroy plants. Just a single bird can eat hundreds of thousands of insects in a given year. Birds also provide movement and interest in your garden space. The basic principles behind attracting birds to you garden are simple: consider what birds need and how you can provide it for them. Many yards and gardens are unappealing to birds, however, with a bit of thought, you can transform your garden into a haven for birds. The primary considerations to take into account are based on a bird’s four needs: food, water, shelter and a place to raise their young.



This is usually the first thing people think of when considering how to attract birds and that is for good reason. The simple step of providing food is a sure-fire way to bring birds to your garden. You can also have some measure of control over the types of birds you attract to your garden by considering the types of food you are making available.

The most obvious way to provide food for birds in your garden is by using a birdfeeder with seed. There are two types of seed, white proso millet and black oil sunflower seed, that will attract most types of seed-eating birds. You can mix these seeds with others that are species specific. For example, goldfinches, pine siskins and purple finches enjoy red proso millet, black- and gray-striped sunflower seeds and Niger thistle. They will become regulars in your garden if you mix these seeds into you general mix. Consider purchasing a large feeder that does not need to be filled very often. That way if you are away, the birds will still be able to eat.

Traditional feeders are not the only food-related way to bring birds to your garden. The type of plants you use can also attract birds. Anyone who has ever grown a sunflower will be aware of how easily birds find plants they like to eat.

Birds eat berries, nuts and seeds that come from plants. When considering how to modify your garden with birds in mind, be sure to think about year round food sources. Birds enjoy berries and seeds in the summer while they rely on nuts and acorns in the winter months.

Another way to help bring birds to your garden is to go organic and refrain from using chemical pesticides. This has the benefit of ensuring your food-bearing plants are safe for the birds to eat. It also means that there will be more insects in your garden for the birds. Organic gardening is very well suited to attracting birds because it is about creating and maintaining a healthy, natural ecosystem.

Birds require regular access to water, and you can include a water feature in your garden that birds will love. Especially if you enjoy watching birds, a birdbath is an excellent addition because birds are very fun to watch splashing in the water.

The first rule with bird baths is that should not be any more than two to three inches deep like those found here:. Birds avoid water deeper than that. Choosing a birdbath that has a ledge for them to land on will also help make the birdbath more attractive to them. You can find cast stone bird baths at .

Some birdbaths, like this one include small raised figures that are more than just ornaments. These are excellent resting spots for birds that are frightened by too much water.

Placing a birdbath in your yard is very important. Birds prefer sunny clearings for water. If there are cats in your neighborhood, be especially careful to place it in a way that will not allow for predators to hide and catch the bird unaware.

Birdbaths require regular cleaning to ensure that the water doesn’t become a home for bacteria and fungus growth. In the summer, empty your birdbath and give it a quick scrub down before refilling two times a week.

Birdbaths aren’t the only form of water that is attractive to birds. The sound of gently running is very appealing to birds. Keep in mind that birds prefer bubbling and trickling water over a powerful waterfall, as with a garden fountain.

Shelter and Nesting Sites

The final needs that birds have to consider when planning your garden is their needs for shelter and nesting sites. If you want your garden to be more than just a brief stopping point, you will need to think about providing places for birds to live.

In terms of shelter, birds are concerned with being protected from the elements and from predators. Dense low bushes and evergreen trees are desirable as bird shelters. You may also want to put some consideration into planning so that there is a protective wind block near the trees.

To encourage birds to nest in your garden, be sure to have plenty of nesting material available to them. This can feel strange to a tidy gardener, but it is a good idea to keep a pile of leaves and brush handy for birds. In addition to finding natural nesting spots in trees, you can also provide them with nesting spots in the form of birdhouses.