7 Simple Ways to Attract the Birds You Love to Your Yard

Do you love the sight and sound of birds flitting about in your backyard? Attracting feathered friends to our yards can be incredibly rewarding and make spending time outdoors really special. But if you find that your yard lacks bird visitors, don’t worry. We have good news for you – attracting feathered visitors to your property isn’t as tricky as it may seem.

With just a few simple steps, you can make your yard an inviting place for birds year-round. Read on to find out how to use bird seed and supplies to easily set up a bird-friendly backyard:

Native Plants that Birds Love 

Plant native plants and flowers that will produce food, shelter, and cover birds’ needs for nesting, resting, and eating. For example, berry-producing shrubs like viburnum are excellent choices for Orioles, while Hummingbirds love nectar from trumpet vine or bee balm. Additionally, adding trees can provide many species with additional sources of food as well as shelter from predators. If you live in the Northeastern U.S, consider planting serviceberry (for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks), pin cherry (for Blue Jays), or American Beech (for Wood Thrushes). 

Add a Bird Bath or Water Feature

Birds need to keep hydrated, so adding a bird bath or water feature to your yard can attract more birds and beautify your outdoor space. You could also add some rocks for the birds to perch on or even place smooth river stones in the bottom of the birdbath for their grip. To further entice Orioles, you may want to hang a hummingbird-sized orange oriole feeder, while Hummingbirds can be attracted by colorful feeders with red liquid nectar inside. 

Offer Birdhouses and Nesting Material 

Birdhouses are great ways to attract specific types of birds, such as Chickadees, Wrens, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers. Place the birdhouses on poles or posts away from predators, in areas with open understory and plenty of trees for protection from wind. Fill it with good nesting material like dry grasses, feathers, cotton fibers, pine needles, moss, etc. For Orioles, consider providing small openings to encourage them to come inside and nest.

Hang a Variety of Feeders 

Hanging feeders is one of the most common methods for attracting birds. Different birds prefer different feeders; some may be attracted to seed-filled tray feeds, while others prefer hanging suet cakes or hummingbird nectar feeders. Also, by varying your feeder choices, you can attract different kinds of birds to your yard. Placing the feeders in different spots around your yard can also help attract more birds.

Offer Protection from Predators 

Providing shelter throughout the year is important for keeping birds safe and healthy, as well as attracting them to your yard. Plant evergreen hedges and shrubs, which birds can use for cover, nesting materials, and roosting sites. Adding birdhouses or even a small heated structure in colder climates provides much-needed warmth and protection during winter. Additionally, offering dense foliage such as vines on trellises is an excellent way to provide shelter for Hummingbirds while they nest in the summertime.

Control Plant-Eating Pests 

Using natural methods like companion planting (planting species together that mutually benefit each other) or mulching can help to reduce pests around your garden. Additionally, you may want to consider adding some predatory insects, such as ladybugs and praying mantis which will keep caterpillars and aphids under control. This not only helps protect your plants but also provides additional food sources for the birds in your yard.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals 

Birds are very sensitive to their environment, so try to avoid using chemicals or pesticides that can harm them. Instead, opt for natural pest control methods and use bird-safe products when available. Also, make sure that cats are kept away from bird habitats as they can easily prey on baby birds or adults. 

Everything You Need for a Bird-Friendly Yard 

Attracting birds to your backyard can be a rewarding experience, for nature-lovers and bird watchers alike. Now that you understand the basics of attracting the birds you love to your yard, you can get creative with supplies, birdhouses, and food sources that will bring more varied feathered friends! When stocking up on bird seed and supplies, our team at Clarks Ace Hardware is here for you! We care about our feathered friends just like we care about our customers. So, come in and take advantage of our expertise. 

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