It’s easy when you know what birds need.
Setting up a birdhouse doesn’t guarantee feathered beauties will flock and take up residence.
Attracting birds to your garden requires thinking about their food, water, and nesting needs.
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“Biodiversity is important as different species of birds require different types of food sources,” says Smith.
Grow Natives
Native plants are indigenous species that grow in a specific region or ecosystem.
Native plants are easier to maintain and take care of because they’re well-suited to the area.
Not allcaterpillarswill become butterflies, of course, because some are eaten by birds.
Some plant seeds provide material for nests, too.
Plus, it’s entertaining to watch these winged beauties put on a show while they snack.
Spring cleaning exists for a reason and it’s not only for inside our homes, she says.
The idea of a messy garden is seen as not-so-beautiful but the well-manicured garden aesthetic is nice for photos.
Twigs and small sticks are common nesting material.
“Birds also like grass clippings, dead leaves, straw, and pine needles,” she says.
Provide Water Sources
Birds need access to clean, fresh water for bathing and for drinking.
Implementing a moving water source avoids stagnant water and entices birds.
“The moving water attracts birds and also prevents mosquitoes from taking up residence in yourbirdbath.”
She enjoys seeing birds nesting in hanging baskets on her porch.
Place them in an area that gets some respite from the sun.
Leave a Bare Spot
Have an empty area in your garden where nothing will grow?
Don’t fret, the birds will be happy.
She says to keep the bare spot wet.
Hang Up Feeders
Putting up abird feederis another option to provide food sources for our feathered friends.
“Black-oil sunflower is an excellent food source for many different species of birds,” says Smith.
“The seed shells are thin and easy to crack.”
Suet is a good source of energy and fat for birds during the colder season.
If there are a lot of finches in your area, they’re a fan of thistle seed.
You may want to put out fresh fruit if Orioles frequent your yard.
Want to attract more doves and blue jays to the garden?
Put out cracked corn, she adds.
Unclean bird feeders can harm or even kill birds.
“Bacterial diseases can cause birds to go blind and fungal diseases can cause respiratory issues.”
So how often do you should probably clean a bird feeder?
“Feeders should be cleaned once or twice a month,” says Smith.
Expect to clean them more frequently in humid or rainy regions.
Cleaning them is easy.
Rinse and dry it before putting in fresh seeds.
