birds at a birdhouse

How To Attract Wild Birds To Your Property

Bird watching is one of my favorite things to do, and any time I move to a new place, the first thing I set out to do is create an environment in my yard that will attract tons of wild birds. In this article, we’ll go over some of the easiest ways to get wild birds to pay you a visit!

How to attract wild birds

Watching birds can be a relaxing and enjoyable pastime. By attracting wild birds to your property, you can create an outdoor oasis where you can observe their behavior and listen to their songs. Here are some steps you can take to attract wild birds to your yard or garden.

Provide Food

One of the most effective ways to attract birds to your property is by providing food. A variety of bird feeders and food types can be used to attract different species of birds. Popular bird foods include black oil sunflower seeds, thistle, suet, and peanuts. Be sure to keep feeders clean and regularly refill them with fresh food. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your yard, as they can harm birds and their food sources.

Plant Native Plants

Native plants provide natural habitats and food sources for birds. By planting native plants, you can create a diverse and attractive environment for birds. Consider planting a variety of plants that flower and produce fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some popular choices include coneflowers, sunflowers, oak trees, and berry bushes.

Provide Water

Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Consider adding a bird bath or water fountain to your property. Make sure the water is fresh and clean, and replace it frequently to prevent the spread of disease. Also, make sure the water source is shallow, as birds prefer to bathe in shallow water.

Provide Shelter

Birds need shelter to rest and nest. Providing birdhouses, roosting boxes, and brush piles can create a safe and comfortable environment for birds. Make sure the birdhouses and roosting boxes are the appropriate size for the species you want to attract. Also, keep in mind that different bird species have different preferences for the location and type of shelter they use.

Add birdhouses

Putting up birdhouses is another effective way to attract birds to your property. Different bird species are attracted to different types of birdhouses, so it’s important to choose the right one for the birds you want to attract. For example, cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds and chickadees prefer birdhouses with a small entrance hole, while larger birds like woodpeckers and owls require larger, deeper birdhouses.

It’s also important to place birdhouses in a suitable location, such as near a source of water or away from areas where predators might be lurking. Regular cleaning of birdhouses is also necessary to maintain a healthy and safe environment for the birds.

Keep Your Yard Safe

Birds are vulnerable to predators, including cats, dogs, and other wildlife. To keep birds safe, keep pets indoors or supervised while outside. Also, keep your yard free of hazardous materials such as pesticides, herbicides, and toxic plants. Make sure feeders and water sources are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease.

By following these tips, you can attract a variety of wild birds to your property and create a beautiful and natural environment for them to thrive in. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for birds to discover your yard or garden. Enjoy the beauty and joy of watching wild birds in your own backyard.

Thomas Nelson
Gardening Expert
Hi! I'm Thomas, one of the founders of The Garden Magazine. I come from a long line of gardeners who used the art of gardening as a way to live long, healthy lives. I'm here to share my knowledge of gardening with the world!