Use a variety of different types of feeders to lure the greatest number of species of birds. As for the food itself, fruit, suet, peanut butter mixtures, nectar, and mealworms can be offered in addition to various bird seeds. If you want to attract a specific type of bird, though, there is a specific type of feeder and food that each species favor.



When placing your feeders, pick out a section of your yard for the bird feeding station that is visible from indoors, yet close enough to bushes or trees, so the birds can quickly fly to safety if danger should happen to be near. Place the feeders for smaller birds in a separate area from the feeders for larger birds. Doing this will let the smaller birds to eat in peace, and not have to compete with the other, bigger ones. They will appreciate you for it and will reward you by more frequent visits.

A curious thing will sometime happen when you place your seed bird feeders near or within a garden, because sometimes the seeds will sprout! Now, some people may not like the idea of pulling out sprouting plants, especially if they have a well-manicured garden. These people should look into seeds that are already shelled. An added bonus of shelled seed is that you will not have the mess of discarded shells, although a down side of the shelled seed is that is will mold faster. Some people may just let the seeds sprout, (sunflower seeds for example) and grow a natural sunflower forest for the birds.

I have seen some bird feeding stations that have long branches along with the feeders; these are very nice. These branches can either be tied onto the feeders or pushed into the ground, thus adding some helpful perches for the birds to sit. Some people also use these branches to hang pieces of fruit, while others grow vines up the branches. Vines are useful for adding a decorative touch as well as attracting insects for birds. If you want to use vines, though, I suggest using red trumpet-shaped flowering vines, since these help attract hummingbirds and also provide nectar.

A dead tree, called a snag, with dangerous limbs removed, is a great focal point for a bird feeding station. The top of the tree can be used by woodpeckers and other insect feeders, while the other feeders can be hanged on the lower branches. However, do not mount or hang nest boxes on a snag that is used as a feeding station, as parent birds do not feel safe with lots of other bird activity around their little ones.

Be sure to have a source of water in your backyard for the birds to drink and bathe. But do not put this bird bath or pond too close to the feeders, though. Aside from the fact that preening birds prefer some peace and quiet while arranging and drying their feathers, wet birds can not fly as well as dry ones and will avoid baths that have lots of other bird activity around them. Near your bird feeding station, try planting flowers that will provide seed and nectar for your backyard birds. Zinnias, coneflowers, and sunflowers are good choices. Birds will devour these seeds, especially during the autumn season.