Birdhouse Types

Just like in human neighborhoods, not all birdhouses are the same, not one size fits all. Bird species are unique in their needs for shelter, and the kinds of birdhouses they will be drawn to reflect their individuality. While some species will not use any kind of birdhouse you might place in their environment, an astonishing 50 species, or more, will accept housing made by human hands. That number offers bird watchers and friends of these feathered creatures the opportunity to attract many wonderful birds to their back yards. In this guide we will outline birdhouse types and what species they are best suited to attract.

The first type of house we might call the Traditional Birdhouse. It has a single compartment, a medium hole in the mid to upper front, and is shaped like a little Cape Cod or cottage. There is usually a hinged top for cleaning it out if desired, but not always. The birds that will nest in a traditional house include: Sparrows, various Finches, various Chickadees, Titmice, various Nuthatches, Flycatchers, Phoebes, some Warblers, Robins, and others.

A Large Traditional Birdhouse will attract larger birds, including woodpecker species like the Hairy, Downy, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and Red-Headed varieties. Since Woodpeckers often excavate their own nesting areas out of decaying tree trunks, mount the house high on the trunk of a hardwood tree, near a Woodpecker feeder, for the greatest possibility of attracting birds to the house.

The Wren House is very small, and features an opening no larger than 1.5 inches in diameter. These little birds want to keep predators out, so choose a very secluded spot when possible. Sometimes wren houses are made from gourds that have had the contents removed and the gourd dried. These can be quick appealing to the birds and add a nice touch to the garden or backyard landscape. All species of Wren’s enjoy these cozy little houses.

A Bluebird House differs very little from a traditional bird house except in that it is often more narrow, and the door is higher up, to protect little birds from falling out before they are ready to fly. Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds are a lovely sight in the backyard, and will enjoy nesting near an ample supply of food used to attract them. For alternative Bluebird house options, place an old mailbox or small wooden crate high in a bush and you just might attract these azure beauties or another type of bird that isn’t too selective about its accommodations.

The Purple Martin House often resembles a duplex or quadplex, with up to four separate houses built back to back or in four different directions. Purple Martins are sociable birds and prefer to nest closely together, apparently for the protection that numbers provides. These houses work well on poles 8-12 feet high and placed near larger trees.

Platform Houses look like a 3 or 4 story hotel on a pole, with multiple openings on each level. Many birds, such as all varieties of Swallows, choose to build their nests on flat platforms or shelves, replicating their preference for ledges in rocks or cliffs.

Some ducks like the Wood Duck or Merganser will nest in a large Duck House, made like a Large Traditional Birdhouse but with a larger door. These houses might also attract an American Kestrel, a type of small predatory bird.

Owl Houses should be medium to large, with a slightly larger opening than with Large Traditional Birdhouses. Species like the Barn Owl are not choosy, often nesting in barn nooks, bell towers, hollow tree trunks, and elsewhere. Mount the Owl House in a sheltered area high in a tree, in a barn near an open upper window, or under the barn eave.

Yes, we know Bats are mammals, but Bat Houses are growing in popularity, so we make mention of them. These unique houses are made quite easily, and mounted on a pole or the side of a building, 10-16 feet high. Bats are fun to watch after dusk and are useful in reducing the mosquito population of your back yard!

We suggest that you try a variety of bird houses in your yard, and the chances are good that you will attract some nesters. Since many bird varieties are not especially choosy, you might get Sparrows in your Wren house, Woodpeckers in your Owl house, and so forth. Whatever the case, these bird houses will greatly increase your ability to view and enjoy your friendly feathered neighbors.

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Backyard Book Reviews

If you want to expand your understanding of your backyard world, and how you can make it a wonderful habitat for the winged creatures you love, we’ve got some books that will help you. From designing gardens that are welcoming to a variety of birds, to installing the right feeders and bird baths, these volumes offer a wealth of knowledge and practical information you can use to attract and enjoy all the birds found in your area.

1. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways to Create a Haven for Your Favorite Birds (Rodale/Roth): If birds area going to make a regular visit to your backyard, they will have to find ample supplies of food, water, shelter and possible nesting sites. This comprehensive book covers all of these topics, and more, in great detail. In-depth information and step-by-step instructions make it easy to transform any backyard into a birding sanctuary.

2. Backyard Birds — Peterson Field Guides® for Young Naturalists: This is an outstanding book for bird lovers of any age, with special emphasis given to helping younger bird enthusiasts learn about birds, their likes and dislikes, and how they are best served in our backyard habitats. Very little prior knowledge is required to make good use of this very instructive book. It will help all budding bird watchers deepen their comprehension and enjoyment in discovering the birds in their areas.

3. The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide: Secrets to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Birds of Your Region: This is another book by Sally Roth, bird expert extraordinaire. She’ll walk you through the topics outlined in the title, with conversational descriptions that are easy to follow for the new bird lover and the veteran birding enthusiast alike. The wonderful, full-color pictures alone are worth the price of this stunning book! Give this book a read, keep it handy as a reference guide, and your pleasure in the hobby will be magnified abundantly.

4. The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale/Roth): Publisher and author team up again to offer the most comprehensive book on the market for novice and intermediate bird watchers. You’ll love the color photos, handy outlines of each species, and practical tips for watching them in nature. This is a great reference resource to keep by your window or to add to your backpack alongside your birding binoculars.

5. Backyard Bird Secrets for Every Season: Attract a Variety of Nesting, Feeding, and Singing Birds Year-Round (Sally Roth): The first lady of bird watching takes her readers through the basics here, teaching them the nuances of turning their backyards into a habitat their winged friends will gravitate to and decide to become a long-term part of. You’ll learn what to do in each season to have the best opportunity of attracting your favorites to the feeder, the nesting houses, or the bird bath. Learn about migration and ways to attract species that are just passing through, too.

Pick up one or two of these books today, and your love for all-things-birds will grow with the turn of each page. You’ll be educated, fascinated, and motivated to get out and discover for yourself why more than 1 in 5 people describe themselves as bird watching enthusiasts!

Best Flowers & Flowering Plants for the Middle Atlantic Region

The Middle Atlantic Region includes New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, sometimes Virginia and West Virginia, and, of course, New Jersey, the state that calls itself “The Garden State.” So what are the best flowers and flowering plants for the Garden State and its neighbors? Let’s consider the climate first.

The Middle Atlantic, or simply Mid-Atlantic, region features a wide variety of growing zones, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The northern reaches of the region include Northern New York state, where some of the terrain is designated zone 3! That’s one of the coldest zones represented in the U.S. The southern parts of the region, and those moderated by the ocean, are designated 6 or 7. All the areas of the Middle Atlantic region get very adequate rainfall – more rain than many of you would like! But it does make for some beautiful flower gardens! Let’s take a look at this unique region and we’ll help you decide which are the best flowers and flowering plants for your area.

If you live in the northern parts of this region, including upper New York and colder parts of Pennsylvania, then focus on plants that grow best in zones 3 and 4. We like to build a garden’s foundation with perennials, since they come back year after year, becoming old friends you rely can upon and always look forward to seeing. These do very well: Aster, Astilbe, Baby’s breath, Balloon flower, Basket of Gold, Bee Balm, Bleeding Heart, Blue Star, Cardinal Flower, Chamomile, Columbine, Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Day Lilies, Hellebore, Hosta, some Iris, Lupine, Meadowsweet, Phlox, Poppy, Primrose, Sage, Violet, Windflower, and Sunflower.
Much of the region, including lower New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia feature zones 5 and 6. Warm, humid days, and plenty of rain, are the norm. If this is your neck of the woods, start your garden choices with these flowers. They’ll love the weather: Alumroot, Aster, Astilbe, Barrenwort, Basket of Gold, Beardtongue, Bee Balm, Bell Flower, Bergenia, Black-Eyed Susan, Blanket Flower, Bleeding Heart, Boltonia, Bugbane, Bugleweed, Campion, Carnation, Chamomile, Chrysanthemum, Columbine, Coreopsis, Daylily, Flowering Onion, Gas Plant, Goatsbeard, Golden-ray Hosta, Hyssop, Iris, Lamb’s Ear, Lavender, Lily, Lupine, Meadow Rue, Phlox, Pincushion, Primrose, Sage, and Salvia, Sunflower, Violet and Yarrow.

Zone 7 growing characteristics can be found in parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region, where hot, sticky summer days, late afternoon thunder showers, and sultry nights are the norm. This is a perfect environment for growing fantastic flowers. All those mentioned above will work well here. In addition, you’ll get excellent results from these flowers and flowering plants: Angel’s Trumpet, Barrenwort, Bugloss, Calamint, Canna, Dianthus, Globeflower, Lady’s Mantle, Leopard’s Bane, Liriope, Pearly Everlasting, Sandwort, Valerian, Sea Lavender, and Solomon’s Seal.
A nice variety of flowering plants and shrubs also thrive in the Middle Atlantic Region. These make for lovely rows, or look great interspersed with evergreen shrubs like Arborvitae. The flowering plants and shrubs that do well here include Forsythia, Cinquefoil Bush, Chokeberry, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Lilac, Rose, Summersweet, Viburnum, Winterberry, and Witch Hazel.
Take time to get to know the suggestions here, selecting the ones that please your eye. Add them to your garden, flower beds, and general landscape. In the Mid-Atlantic region you’ll be able to enjoy blooms 10 or 11 months out of the year in many places. These selections will keep your yard colorful the entire growing season when you choose early, middle and late flowering plants from this list.

Regional Flowers

vIf you have been gardening for any length of time you realize that the country in which you live will feature at least a few growing zones. These zones are designated by the lowest typical winter temperature, since it is cold that most threatens perennial flowers, shrubs, vines, and bulbs. For example, the United States contains 8 zones in all, out of the 11 found in North America. These extend from zone 3 in the extreme northern regions to zone 10 in deep southern regions. This is called the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Europe has a zone hardiness map as well. It goes without saying that each zone or region will offer a climate conducive to the growing health of some perennials and not to others. It is easy to find out which zone your specific state is located in. This link shows the U.S. map with further links to each state: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.

In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the regions of the country and what zones they include. When you shop for flowers online you may be able to shop by zone, which is a great help. If you buy flowers locally, only plants that grow in your hardiness zone will be available.

Remember that most flowers that will grow in zones with lower numbers will also grow in zones with higher numbers. In other words, flowers rated for zone 3 will also grow well in zones 4-8 roughly, while those rated for zones 4 or 5 will also thrive in zones up to 9 or 10. It is only where extreme heat or arid conditions are present that lower numbered zone flowers may not prosper.

In colder regions also realize that an especially cold spring may jeopardize plants that are spring bloomers, so an emphasis on late spring or summer bloomers might produce better results. Autumn frosts come earlier, too, so don’t expect your autumn blooms to last as deep into the year as in other regions.

New England: This northern region contains zones 3 and 4, so hardy flowers and shrubs will be in the mix for your landscape. Southern New England captures a bit of zone 5 weather, so gardeners there have a few more choices. Good regional flower choices include Day Lilies of many varieties, Clematis, Salvia, Tulips, some Roses, Chrysanthemum, Sedum, Daffodils, Geraniums, Monarda, Asters, Crocuses, and Heuchera.

The East: This is one of the most diverse regions in terms of hardiness zones, with zones 3 to 7 all being represented. Good regional flower choices include Geraniums, Tulips, Day Lilies, Echinacea, Cyclamen, Hellebores, Crocuses, Daffodils, Columbine, and Yarrow.

The Mid-Atlantic States: Another diverse region, the Mid-Atlantic states feature growing zones from 4 to 7. Good regional flower choices include Tulips, Columbine, Wild Ginger, Coneflower, Rhododendron, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, and Roses.

The South: This warm region is the place where flowers rated for zones 8-10 will thrive. Remember, some flowers with lower zone ratings will do well here, but others may not be able to stand the worst of the heat. Good regional flower choices include Rhododendron, Columbine, Fox Glove, Roses, Peony, Balloon Flower, Bee Balm, Baby’s Breath, Campion, Bleeding Heart, Cranesbill, and Coral Bells.

The Great Lakes and Great Plains: This region generally contains zones 3-5, but parts of Michigan’s coasts, where a Great Lake moderates temperatures, are designated zone 6. Good regional flower choices include Geranium, Poppy, Columbine, Phlox, Tulips, Cardinal flower, Bleeding Heart, Gladiolus, Day Lily, Morning Glory, Daffodils, Sedum, Chrysanthemum, Roses, and Crocuses.

The Rocky Mountain Region: Being in the north, with high elevation in many places, it’s no wonder zones 3-5 predominate here, though zones 6 and 7 creep into the southern reaches of the region. This is also an arid region, so take that into account when selecting plants. Good regional flower choices include Astilbe, Rhododendron, Hydrangea, Tulips, Roses, Lavender, Begonia, Pansies, Peony, Salvia, Dusty Miller, Hosta, Gladiolus, and Iris.

The Pacific Northwest: Plenty of rain with cool or moderate temperatures from autumn through spring, with warm summers, make a region where zones 5-8 are all represented. Flowers that like, or can at least tolerate, plenty of rain will thrive west of the mountains. Good regional flower choices include Roses, Bleeding Heart, Salvia, Sunflower, Hellebores, Baby’s Breath, Astilbe, Bee Balm, Angel Trumpet, Violet, Verbena, and Iris.

The Southwest: Hot, arid conditions are the norm here, even at higher altitudes, so the zone rating is only part of the issue for gardeners. Zones as cool as 6 are found at higher elevations, but 7-10 are most common. When selecting plants here it is important to take their need for moisture into account. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Coral Bells, Sunflower, Violet, Sea Holly, Thrift, Poppy, Pincushion, and Lilies.

California: This state features a long ocean coastline which keeps things warm, but not terribly hot most of the year. Zones 8-10 are all represented here, with arid conditions influencing your planting decisions in some of the desert areas. Good regional flower choices include Cactus, Coral Bells, Bee Balm, Daisies, Iris, Orchids, Elephant’s Ear, Sea Holly, Sunflower, Violet, Desert Rose, Hydrangea, Orchids, Pansies, Begonia, Bleeding Heart, and Geraniums.

Seasonal Flowers

When you are designing your garden you will want to select flowers that bloom in each season in your climate zone, whether that includes 3 seasons or 4. Wise planters will stagger seasonal flowers throughout their beds and garden so that no section is without blooms during the year, unless by design. Here is a list of seasonal flowers, based on when they flower, to get you started on developing a garden that will never lack in vibrant color.

Let’s start with winter, since if you do get winter blooms in your region they will probably come just before spring, rather than early. So, you’re winter blossoms will be the first to look for after the New Year, and there is nothing that says warm weather is on the way like the first hardy flowers of the year. Here’s a good starter list for each season of the year.

For Winter: Daffodils, Cyclamen, Snow Drops, Crocuses, Heath, Hellebores, Christmas Rose, Iberis,

Spring blooms can come fast and furious once they begin, or they may make their appearance gradually throughout the season, depending on the temperatures. Either way, if you live in a region that doesn’t allow for winter blooms, a joyful sight they will be. A visitor to your house one week might see a garden with one or two things in flower, and come again the next week and be dazzled by a dozen gorgeous bloomers. There are dozens of wonderful choices for Spring flowers. Always make sure you select plants suitable to your zone.

For Spring: Basket of Gold, Clematis – many varieties, Crocus, Daffodils, Bleeding Heart, Primrose, and Sweet Violet.

Summer flowering perennials will enrich the warm months with cool blues, hot pinks, rich reds, spicy oranges, lemony yellows, and all shades of the spectrum. Properly designed, your garden will continue to grow in color intensity until it reaches a crescendo in late summer. Remember to plant summer bloomers in every sector of the garden, and combine then with colors they will blend well with or vividly contrast with. Be careful not to mix colors in a small area that will clash. Some gardeners like to create a section featuring pastel blossoms, another with primary color blooms and their derivatives. Try different things since you can always move flowers around when they are done blooming. Take notes on which ones worked well together in terms of color, but also height and width, and which ones might best be used in another part of the garden neighborhood.

For summer: Daylilies, Clematis, Rose, Purple Coneflower, Monarda, Garden Phlox, Geraniums, Verbena, Tradescantia, Veronica, Salvia. Try cutting back some of the earliest summer bloomers when they are finished, like Yarrow, and you might get a second round of blooms from them. Flowering summer vines include Cardinal Vine, Morning Glory, Black-eyed Susan, Hyacinth Bean, and Moonflower, which blooms at night for a special treat. Don’t forget bulbs like Gladiolus, Dahlias, Cannas, and Tuberose.

Autumn bloomers extend our enjoyment of the garden to the first hard frost, and sometimes beyond. When summer blooms are in full glory, these autumn friends are out of mind. But when the hot weather blooms begin to fade, the Sedum and others start showing color, and our gardens are not finished yet!

For Autumn: Michaelmas Daisy, Sedum, Coneflower, Perennial Sunflower, Chrysanthemum, Blue Mist Shrub, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Anemone, Freesia, Panama Rose, Foxtail Orchid, Juniper, Lavender, Narcissus, and Goldenrod.

Annuals have their place in most gardens. They can be purchased until mid to late summer, and are good for filling in bare spots where flowers didn’t last as long as we expected. Other gardeners like to select a few annuals to grow from seed each year, to lend variety to their beds amidst their perennial favorites. These are usually started in pots and transplanted to the garden when ready.

Tips on Placing a Birdhouse for Cardinals in your Garden

The male cardinal in his bright red plumage, and his more subtly attired, though just as pretty mate, offer an elegant, cheery addition to any back yard. They will delight you with their songs and their characteristics, such as the male offering seeds to his mate, and her eagerly accepting, or their swooping flight from bush to bush. Cardinals are among the most popular song birds in their territory, the Eastern U.S., and for good reason. Here are some tips for attracting a pair of Cardinals to your back yard, hopefully to nest and stay long-term.

The first tip is to provide the kinds of food they prefer. Select a medium-sized birdhouse and place it near the garden. Fill the birdhouse with the types of seeds that Cardinals enjoy most, namely Sunflower and Safflower seeds. One note on Safflower – they are one of the few birds who eat it, so filling a feeder with just Safflower may keep them around by reducing a crowd of other species at their special feeder. They will also consume nuts, dried fruit and berries, and seed mixed with peanut butter. Any house or feeder used for Cardinals should have a perch that makes it easier for them to access the contents. They are a larger bird and often prefer to feed on the ground, so scattering food for them there will be appreciated, too.

Having plenty of their favorites on hand will bring them around. They will also enjoy getting a drink at a birdbath, so locating one in your garden is a way to attract Cardinals in for a visit. To get them to stay is a bit tougher. While they will enjoy feeding from the birdhouse you set out for them, they prefer to nest in bushes and thickets, crafting cup-shaped nests which they often locate in the crooks of small or medium branches where cover is thick and concealing. Small evergreens, bushy shrubs, or thickets of honeysuckle are places Cardinals will often build their nests. Planting a variety of these near the food supply you leave for them will certainly make your yard an inviting choice for a permanent address. Also consider planting mulberry, grape, hackberry, blackberry, sumac, or serviceberry in the landscape, since Cardinals enjoy the tasty fruits these plants bear. An alternative to a standard birdhouse that may attract them is a platform-type that replicates a stable area among braces. Locate it near the base of a shrub or evergreen, and 2-5 feet off the ground.

If you are fortunate enough to attract a pair of Cardinals with the accommodations you have provided, it is likely that they will stay nearby for years, since they do not migrate and rarely roam very far. When their young come, you’ll see them leading the little ones to the feeders to teach them how to feed after they’ve left the nest. And their complex, lovely songs will become welcomed and cherished.

Other than the Safflower, what attracts Cardinals will also attract Blue Jays, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, and other very fine birds. So, while you may hope for a pair of Cardinals, you will certainly get something to enrich your bird watching and increase the feathered activity in and around your garden.

Birdhouses for sale on Amazon

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Perky Pet 50301 Wren Home Cedar Birdhouse

Esschert Design Wren Bird House – Antique Wash with Copper Roof

Stovall 2HU Ultimate Bluebird House

Audubon Cedar Bluebird House

Esschert Design Thatched Roof Wren Bird House

Attracting Birds to your Backyard with less than $100

If you love birds, you’ll want your back yard to be a safe, inviting place for these creatures, and one they have every reason to visit and even nest in. There are three needs every bird has: Food, water and shelter. Providing these things can be expensive, but we’ve got a plan for attracting birds to your back yard for less than $100. In fact, you might have enough left over to pay someone to silence the neighbor’s cat…but we certainly can’t advocate that. Or at least we probably shouldn’t!

Food is the most fun, so let’s leave that until the end. Making sure birds have water is easy and can be relatively inexpensive. Consider a bird bath, for example. Rather than pay for a new one, you may find you can come up with one from what you already have. A saucer-type sled, for example, is perfect. Excavate a small area in the lawn that will accept the concave shape of the saucer and install it. Fill it with water, and you are done! Empty and clean the saucer periodically. You’ll likely think of other ready-made bird baths as you look through your garage or basement. Don’t use anything deep, since you don’t want birds or small critters like mice to get in over their heads. If you choose to elevate the saucer bath, perhaps an old grill stand will serve the purpose. These items might needs a little paint to make them look presentable, but that will cost much less than new items.

For shelter, there are many options. Birds love trees, of course, where they can nest or rest off of the ground. Local arbor societies offer small trees, seedlings, or saplings very inexpensively. Yes, they’ll take a few years to grow to adequate size for nesting, but with some long-term perspective now, you’ll create a backyard that will be the envy of your birding buddies before you know it.

For bird houses, make them yourself out of scrap wood if you are handy. Easy to follow directions are available online, and the birds won’t care that it isn’t brand new! If you choose to buy a bird house, perfectly satisfactory models can be found for under $10, so two or three won’t break your budget.

When it comes to food, let’s talk about feeders. There’s no good reason to buy them if you are on a tight budget. Gallon milk jugs can be used quite easily. Clean them out thoroughly first. Then cut a small opening in one side for birds to access. Keep the cap on it to prevent rain from soaking the seeds. Tie some twine to the handle, and hang it wherever you’d normally place a feeder. Several of these in the yard will work really well as feeders. If you find the white unattractive you might be able to paint them brown or green to look better outdoors. Buy paint formulated to stick to plastic. Another option is to buy a few gallons of water in perfectly clear plastic jugs, which won’t will blend in well in the yard.

Finally, we suggest you grow your own bird food in a birdseed garden, since a season’s worth of buying it will break the budget pretty quickly. See our guide entitled “How to Attract Birds to your Garden” for details, but bird favorites like sunflowers, millet, milo, safflower, sorghum, and thistle may easily be grown. The simplest way might be to buy an inexpensive bag of bird seed, prepare a plot of it, open it up and scatter it in about the density you’d scatter grass seed. Rake it in, cover it with an inch or two of top soil and water it, then let it grow.

If you can purchase berry bushes or grape vines inexpensively, let the fruit on them dry, and the birds will feast on it! Do some research and find out what birds prefer which types of seeds, and grow what will attract your favorites. What you grow this year will serve as next year’s feed. If you want to remove the sunflower and seeds to place in feeders near the house for better viewing, that’s an option. Harvest enough to supply seed for next year’s garden, anyway. You can also leave it on the plant and let the birds harvest it for themselves! Grow flowers that produce an abundance of seeds. Don’t deadhead them, but let the seeds dry on the stem. The birds will find them and enjoy nibbling on their offerings. Good flowers for this purpose include Coneflower, Blazing Star, Black-Eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Indian Grass, Globe Thistle, and Evening Primrose. These are just a few. Check your growing zone to look for others.

Food, water, and shelter can be provided for your favorite birds, and on a budget, too! You’ll save money and experience wonderful satisfaction whenever you watch this creatures .

How to Attract Birds to your Garden

This doesn’t sound like a great idea to all gardeners, those who don’t want the crows, jay, or song birds getting to the ripe raspberries or blueberries before they do. But to bird lovers, this is a very natural desire. Many bird enthusiasts who also enjoy gardening will grow a section of the garden or a separate plot just for their feathered friends. No scare crow will grace that garden, that’s for sure. You look forward to chickadees flitting around as you tend your plants, hummingbirds sipping nectar nearby, and grosbeaks enjoying the dried berries on back yard bushes. Here’s a general plan that will allow you to attract a wonderful variety of birds to your garden. In just a few steps you’ll create an environment that will be very hospitable to them.

First of all, have a feeder or two out during the offseason for the garden so that non-migratory birds will get in the habit of looking for food in your backyard. In turn, they will attract seasonal birds who return from warmer climates. Next winter you’ll need fewer artificial feeders, and we’ll show you why shortly. You can probably guess!

Secondly, provide watering spot for visiting birds. A bird bath or several waterers hanging in the yard will do the job nicely. A ground-based bird bath provides a more natural look and feel, but also represents a threat if neighborhood cats are active.

Thirdly, since birds require shelter, plant bushes and trees near the perimeter of your garden, if none exist, or choose to place your bird plot near existing trees. When startled, the birds will scatter to them until the coast is clear. If the trees are large enough, some birds might also choose them for nesting. Evergreens are especially nice since they provide shelter even when the trees are relatively young. Supplying your yard with several bird houses might also invite more permanent guests to the vicinity. Trees and bird houses can be expensive, you work within your budget.

Finally, the most obvious need is for food, so grow the kinds of things birds will enjoy, and let them have their pick of it. Sunflowers are a great choice, since birds love them and they provide high protein for them. Grow a large plot of them, and then let them dry in place for the birds to eat off the flower in autumn and winter. Do the same with grains that birds love, such as winter wheat, milo, millet, and sorghum. You may have to visit your local farming co-op to get some of these seeds, but the birds will gravitate to them quickly, since they form the primary ingredients in most bird seed mixes. Many common weeds and wildflowers are also bird favorites, such as thistle and Common Mullein. If you don’t want to grow weeds, at least don’t cut them down. Seeing a finch enjoying seeds right off the plant is a wonderful sight. Also stock your garden with bright red flowers that will attract the hummingbirds in the area, and grow nectar producing flowers like lilies and gladiolus they’ll love once they arrive.

Birds Products on Amazon

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Books :
Backyard Bird Secrets for Every Season: Attract a Variety of Nesting, Feeding, and Singing Birds Year-Round

The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book)

Best-Ever Backyard Birding Tips: Hundreds of Easy Ways to Attract the Birds You Love to Watch (Rodale Organic Gardening Books)

Bird-by-Bird Gardening: The Ultimate Guide to Bringing in Your Favorite Birds–Year after Year

Attracting Butterflies & Hummingbirds to Your Backyard: Watch Your Garden Come Alive With Beauty on the Wing (A Rodale Organic Gardening Book)

Birds Feeders :

Birdscapes 366 Tall Tulip Garden Lantern Feeder, 6-Pound Capacity (Colors May Vary)

Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster Plus Wild Bird Feeder with Cardinal Perch Ring

Topflight® 7103-2 Copper Triple Tube Bird Feeder

Perky Acrylic Window Feeder

No/No C00322 Red Cardinal Feeder

Brome 1015 Squirrel Buster Classic

Gardman USA 0280019 Wild Bird Feeding Kit

Birdscapes® 367 Tulip Garden Latern Feeder, 5 lb capacity

Heritage Farms 7533 Absolute Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder

Heritage Farms Bird’s Choice Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder

Garden Song® 480-12 Classic Bird Feeder

Birdscapes® 111MA Deluxe Grandview Bird Feeder, 8 lb capacity

Avant Garden 8501-3 Cottage Lantern Bird Feeder

Birdscapes® 325 Panorama Feeder, 4.5 lb capacity

Garden Song® 101-4 Dine Around Window Bird Feeder

Birds Bath :

API 645 Bird Bath Bowl with Tilt-to-Clean Deck Rail Mounting Bracket

First Nature Bird Bath & Waterer 11 x 11 x 11 inches

Farm Innovators Economical Bird Bath De-Icer Model B-9, 44-Watt

Garden Plast Promo BirdBath, White

Lily Leaf Pedestal Resin Bird Bath, 28

Astonica 35

Cast Iron Bird Bath

HAYES 24788 HAMMERED COPPER BIRD BATH

Pedestal Resin Bird Bath, 28

Birds Food :

Mills Brothers Song Bird No Waste Food in Easy Pour & Store Container

Mills Brothers Premium Wild Bird Food in Easy Pour & Store Container