Dawn Brings a New Day and
Another Close Encounter with Mother Nature!

Look there! ... a flash of irridescent feathers draws attention to a Hummingbird feeding just outside the kitchen window.  Across the yard brilliant Goldfinches glitter in the sunlight while they comically hang on a Nyjer Seed Feeder.  Here come two Blue Jays who'll not rest until they've taken all the peanuts from the Platform Feeder and hidden them away for later.  What a great way to begin the day ... up close and personal with nature.

Good Reasons to Attract Wild Birds

We provide food and water for wild birds to enjoy them up close.  But there are other really good reasons to attract wild birds to our yards.

• Urban areas are constantly expanding which alter or destroy natural areas.  By creating an inviting environment to your garden you can make a difference by helping birds survive.
• Each new "urban oasis" helps increase the number and variety of birds in your area.
• Remember that bird watching and backyard bird feeding are two of the best ways to help kids learn about and respect nature.

If you care about birds these are enough reasons to feed birds in your backyard.  In return, the pleasure of doing so is all ours ... their beauty, song and entertaining habits make the effort worthwhile.  Providing a bird friendly yard has never been so important or so easy.

Let's Get Started With a Basic Plan to Attract Birds
... The Backyard Wild Bird Buffet!

WILD BIRD FOOD

The first course on our menu to attract some feathered friends is Wild Bird Food.  It is the essential ingredient to begin a successful backyard program.  What you decide to feed will determine the wild birds you'll attract.  Like people, they all have food preferences and you can be sure they'll let you know if they approve of your menu.

WILD BIRD FEEDERS

Once you know what types of birds you want to feed and have discovered their food preferences then you'll need a Bird Feeder to fill with food.  There are many types of feeders made of various materials.  The feeder shown on this page is a specialized window-style feeder that brings the birds up close.  However, there are many, many other styles to choose from.  Functional or species-specific feeders are the best choice and should be made of durable materials.  Well-designed feeders will keep the seed clean and dry so it won't spoil.  When you choose Bird Feeders be sure to look for those that are easy to maintain ... that is, fill and keep clean.  Determine where you can place your feeders which is often determined by the space you have available.

WATER SOURCE - The Backyard Bird Bath

Along with food, birds must have a fresh water source.  It is an essential part of a backyard bird feeding program for several reasons.  Not all species eat seed or come to feeders and water will attract birds that feeding stations alone cannot.   Most importantly, year-round access to water is necessary for the birds.  They must have water daily in a sizeable quantity for drinking and bathing.  Bathing is essential for keeping their feathers in top shape.  If birds can't keep their feathers clean and well-groomed they will not flourish or stay warm in the winter.  Bird Baths, or another type of water source, should be available year-round.  Fortunately, there are many types and styles to choose.  It is important to mention that birds are drawn to moving water.  If your bird bath doesn't come equipped with a way to keep the water moving, there are ways to accomplish this necessity.

SHELTER

Once you've begun to attract birds to your backyard, you'll want them to stay around.  A good way to do that is to encourage breeding.  Adding nesting sites and nest boxes (i.e. Bird Houses) to your garden will help birds raise their families.  You might even be lucky to see babies fledge ... that is, take their first flight.  Usually parent birds will bring their babies to your feeders adding another level of enjoyment to your backyard birding program.

In most cases, you'll have the best success with nest boxes that are made of natural materials and designed to meet the needs of specific species.  They are the most convservation-oriented products providing dimensions that birds will accept ... and they provide safety from predators.  Important differences in nest boxes have to do with size and depth of the box interior and diameter of the entrance hole.  Here is a helpful Bird House Size Guide.

The nest box pictured has been designed for Bluebirds and is an example of a nest box with some ideal features such as the predator guard on the entrance hole to keep out squirrels, Starlings and other undesirables, plus one side opens for observation with removable plexiglass in place to prevent nestlings from falling out.  The other opens also when it is time to clean the nest box.

If you can't resist the cute Bird House designs and want to offer that kind of aesthetic in your garden look for quality Bird Houses that provide the correct dimensions for the birds that come to your backyard.

What About Fruit Bearing Plants?  Can They Help?

Providing bird food in feeders is the way most of us attract wild birds.  It is definitely a must-do if you have a yard sparse of plants that attract and protect birds naturally.  However, even if you do have an abundantly planted yard it won't necessarily provide the nutrition birds need.  Fortunately, with Bird Feeders you can add variety to any garden which will attract a wider variety of species.

If you have sufficient space consider some additional birdscaping by planting some fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.  Plants that hold their fruit through the winter can add a critical food source for birds that don't migrate.

ARE YOU A BIRD FEEDING "NEWBIE"? 

Visit the links below for more information or products to help you get started.

It's very easy to get started.  Here is a simple plan to begin.  Get a Hopper Feeder and a Bird Bath.  Fill the feeder with black-oil sunflower or a quality seed mix and put some water in the Bird Bath.  Be sure to keep fresh water in the bird bath and keep it clean.  Moving water is very attractive to birds.  You can find some simple ways to add movement to the water, or opt for a commercial product to do the job.

Consider adding a Tube Feeder filled with a different kind of seed for small perching birds.  There are different styles available with some being designed to encourage acrobatics from the colorful lively Goldfinches.  For feeders designed for specific types of feeding we offer Specialty Feeders.  And don't forget Nectar Feeders for the Hummingbirds.  No backyard should be without them!

Getting started can be just that easy.  You'll be on your way to a lot of fun.  And you'll receive a lot in return each day you have a chance to enjoy wild birds up close and personal.  The extra bonus?  You'll have opened yourself to a relaxing and rewarding hobby.