Attracting Birds

Lesson 1: What birds need in a habitat

There are many safe, environmentally friendly ways you can attract birds right to your own yard for closer observation. Here are a few things birds will be looking for when they are scoping out possible favorite dining spots:

Is it safe?

Birds will be on the lookout for anything that might pose a threat to them. They may be less likely to frequent a yard that has roaming cats, yappy dogs, or a lot of other activity. Some areas may pose a danger to them without their knowledge. Some pesticides or herbicides can harm more than the intended pest.

Windows can also pose a threat to unsuspecting birds. Placing bird feeders far enough away from (or close enough to) your house can help feeding birds avoid striking your windows. There are also numerous techniques for marking or blocking your windows so they don't pose as much of a threat to flying birds. This article gives some tips on helping birds avoid window collisions. 

Outdoor cats pose a significant danger to birds. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of birds are killed each year by cats. Read here for more information on why to keep cats inside.

Is there food?

Birds will not only be on the lookout for an easy meal from a feeder, but for flowers and trees that may provide them with tasty nectar, seeds, or bugs. Their idea of an ideal meal spot will have a variety of food sources available to them.

Bird feeders should be maintained and cleaned regularly to reduce risk of spreading diseases. For a variety of birds, try a variety of feeders and bird food!

Is there water?

Although it's not a requirement (birds can find water elsewhere), water can do wonders for attracting birds to your yard! Water sources can be bird baths, bubbling fountains, or small streams. Just be sure to clean and care for whatever source you provide, as dirty and contaminated water sources can do more harm than good for little creatures.

Is there shelter?

An area can be safe without having much for shelter, and a sheltered area isn't necessarily safe. The best shelter is in the form of natural trees and shrubs, but birds will use man-made structures to nest in or escape the weather. If it was particularly hot, cold, or windy, think about whether there is an area in your yard birds may use to escape the elements.

Thick trees and shrubs don't only protect birds from the sun or rain, they also provide birds a safe place to hide away if they see a predator. Bird feeders that are hung low to the ground in an open area can lead to your birds to becoming an easy target for cats or hawks. The more shelter, the better!