Spring is here. We’ve see our first fly bys of the year. But how do you attract them to your yard? Well we have a few tips to help you attract the feathered friends you want to see throughout the season.

1.) Add A Water Feature

Birds prefer moving water and it can be added to your yard in many ways. There are solar fountain kits that will sit in a birdbath or pond.. Plug-in fountains, we recommend the ones that look like natural rocks, offer a flow of water that songbirds enjoy. Another product, called a water wiggler, is available in both solar and battery-operated models. The water wiggler can be placed in a birdbath to agitate the water, attracting songbirds and also eliminating mosquitos’ ability to lay eggs in the water.

Not all birds will come to a bird feeder or nest in a birdhouse, but they all use water for drinking and bathing. Adding a water feature will increase the amount of species, and quantity of birds that will visit your yard.

2.) Plant a variety of native trees

Shrubs and plants is another effective way of attracting birds to your yard all year. You could also grow fruit in your garden. Fruits are an important food source to birds.

Arrowwood viburnum – shrub highly recommended due to the high fat, antioxidant and carbohydrate content of its berries. Arrowwood also attracts native bees to its blooms.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Gray dogwood (Cornus racemose), Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) and Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) are also highly recommended for songbirds due to their ability to keep birds energized during their migrations.

Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of the beautiful blooming Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Beebalm (Monarda didyma).

Trees native to your area provide valuable real estate for nestbuilding. Oak and sugar maple trees are known for hosting a wide diversity of species. Black-eyed Susan have lovely blooms all summer long and in the fall their seeds feed finches.

 3.) Choose The Right Birdfood

You have your feeders, now what food is best for your feathered friends? Below, find some ideas for attracting specific bird species to your backyard. 

All-around favorite: Black-Oil Sunflower Seeds. They contain a lot of protein and fat and their thin shells are easy to crack.

Cardinals & Blue Jays: Sunflower hearts and chips, striped sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts, red and white millet

Mourning Doves: Safflower seeds

Robins: Sunflower hearts and chips, white millet

Chickadees: Sunflower hearts, striped sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, white millet

Finches:  Striped sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, red and white millet, flaxseed 

Hummingbirds:  Sugar water; made by combining four parts hot water to one part white sugar, mix and let cool. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.

Birds also attract other birds.  They are curious and listen for activity in the area and like to see what is going on.  For them, your yard will be like the Village Eatery. And they’ll tell all their friends about it.

Let it happen over time and enjoy it.  As birds begin to find your place, you will be amazed at how many you see.  Remember to keep up with the food and water supplies, especially in the winter when you can help dozens of birds survive the cold.