You don't need acres of land to bring more birds to your window. With a few simple changes, almost any backyard, balcony, or porch can become a haven. Here are seven tips that actually work.
1. Offer the right food
Black-oil sunflower seed attracts the widest variety of birds. Add nyjer (thistle) for finches and a nectar feeder for hummingbirds, and you'll cover most backyard species.
2. Add a water source
A shallow birdbath is often more effective than food. Moving or dripping water is irresistible — even a slow drip from a hanging bottle will draw birds in.
3. Plant native
Native shrubs and flowers provide natural seeds, berries, and insects. They also attract the bugs that many birds feed to their young in spring.
4. Keep feeders clean
Dirty feeders spread disease. Rinse and scrub them every couple of weeks, especially nectar feeders in hot weather.
5. Provide cover
Birds need places to hide from predators. A few shrubs or a brush pile near your feeders will make nervous birds feel safe enough to visit.
6. Go easy on pesticides
Insects are food. A yard with a healthy bug population will feed far more birds than a spotless, sprayed one.
7. Be patient and consistent
It can take days or weeks for birds to find a new feeder. Keep it stocked, and word will spread.
Get to know who visits
Half the joy is learning their names. Our hand-illustrated single bird prints and state field guides make it easy to recognize every visitor — and look beautiful on the wall while you do it. Made to order in the USA.