How to Attract birds to your backyard

Quit hogging your own backyard. Make it a haven for your fine feathered friends. Learn how to attract birds to your yard.

You Will Need

* Undisturbed trees or shrubs large enough to provide bird shelter

* Native plants that provide seeds, berries, and nectar

* A water source such as a stream, pond, or birdbath

* Wildflowers

* One or more bird feeders

* Birdhouses matched to your local species

* Logs

Step 1: Identify plants & trees

Identify which plants and trees in your yard already attract local birdlife.

Step 2: Add native trees, bushes, & flowers

Add native trees, bushes, and flowers that provide seeds, berries, or nectar for wild birds. Consult your state's horticultural or Audubon society for suggestions, or ask a local nursery.

*Tip: Think twice before getting rid of dead or dying branches and stumps, which provide shelter to many birds. Consider adding logs to your landscaping.

Step 3: Include water in your yard

Include water in your yard—a birdbath, fountain, stream, or pond will do the trick.



Step 4: Replace lawn w/ wildflower meadow

Consider replacing some of your lawn with a wildflower meadow. Even a small patch of wildflowers and tall grass will attract wild birds.

Step 5: Hang bird feeders

Hang bird feeders close to trees so birds can be sheltered—and ideally in sight of a window, so you can enjoy watching them.

Step 6: Build or buy a birdhouse

Build or buy a birdhouse and then put it up. Check with your local library, fish and wildlife department, or Audubon group to see what birdhouses suit your local species.

*Tip: Keep your cats inside. It is estimated that house cats cause up to 100 million bird deaths each year in the U.S.

Step 7: Leave nests in place

If a bird builds a nest in your yard, leave it in place even after the babies have flown. The birds might return next year.