Attracting Wild Birds to Your Garden
There are a variety of ways to attract the wild birds. Provide food that they like and somewhere safe for them to feed. Bird feeders are ideal for providing food for them. Natural sources of food are scarce in the winter so they can be really helpful to the birds.
You can set up feeding stations with food for different species. For example finches feed on small thistle seeds and specially designed bird feeders that allow the finches to feed easily can be purchased. Use tube feeders to keep seeds dry and prevent them from spilling on the ground. You could also use a window bird feeder so that you can watch the birds from inside your home.
There are bird feeders available that have been specially designed for woodpeckers,goldfinches and hummingbirds. Place in a safe place close to your bird house to attract the birds. Check the feeder regularly to make sure the food is dry and mold free. Pests such as ants and wasps will be attracted to spilled food so clean it up every day.
Feeding during the winter is most beneficial for wild birds but shortages occur during other seasons as well. Birds can be helped during food shortages at any time of the year by putting out food. Temporary food shortages that occur in the breeding season can affect the fledglings so you should provide suitable food at this time.
Water can be provided in bird baths and water pans for bathing and drinking. They will love a safe place to bathe their feathers and preen. Set out water containers at different levels as some species prefer to drink and bathe at ground level, others prefer above ground containers. Containers should only be filled to a few inches and should be placed some way away from the noise around bird feeders. Running water sounds will attract the birds. Water drippers are great for attracting birds and they also deter mosquitoes from breeding in the water.
Provide a natural environment in part of your garden to enhance the wild birds sense of security. You can make an attractive place for them by allowing an area of the garden to grow wild.
