how to attract birds into the garden?

Question

wanted to get a few pics

Answer 1

Birds look for the basics - food, water and shelter.

http://www.howtoattractbirds.com/ tells us:
"Creating a garden that welcomes songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies is a relatively simple task. It consists of supplying them with three basic requirements for survival: food, cover, and water. To birds and butterflies, the typical suburban landscape resembles an unfriendly desert. Close-cropped lawns, sheared foundation shrubs, and deadheaded flowers mean no place to nest, no food to eat, and nowhere to hide."

It gives specifics on landscaping, but also gives tips on providing additional sources of food and water, if landscaping is a bit more of a project than you had in mind.

"Supplemental bird feeders and bird baths concentrate large numbers of birds where you can see and appreciate them. After gardening, wild bird feeding is the most popular hobby in North America. People of all ages are fascinated by watching birds at bird feeders.

A year-round feeding program will bring different species, as migratory birds pass through from north to south for winter, and south to north for the summer. The type of feed you use will depend upon the birds you wish to attract, and to discourage those you do not wish to attract.

Many excellent birdseed mixtures are available at garden centers, nurseries, and bird-feeding specialty shops. The style of feeding station will also encourage some and discourage some birds. Different elevations, environments, and openings are preferred by different species. You will attract the most birds by offering a variety of feeding spots, and types of feeders. Squirrel proof bird feeders are particularly nice, because they help save the bulk of the bird feed for the birds.

Just as important as a dependable source of food for winter birds is the availability of fresh water. When people are not watering lawns and gardens, a bird's water supply diminishes critically. The importance of water is overlooked by most people interested in having birds in their back yards. In return for providing birds with food and water, you will reap the pleasure of their company."

Answer 2

I put out bird feeders year around and keep a bird bath with a water heater that keeps it from freezing in the winter. Put them near protection so they feel safe. I have several fir trees that they love within three or four feet of my feeders. Put out a variety of types of feeders to attract a wide variety of birds. Standard bird seed is good for a large variety of birds, but some need special feeders. Thistle feeders are necessary if you want to attract Goldfinches. Keeping hummingbird feeders filled during the summer will give you hours of pleasure. Some birds that feed only on insects can be attracted by special insect blocks that you can buy at your pet supply stores. I put out orange halves and sometimes grape jelly to attract Baltimore Orioles. I put out suet bags usually with raisins and a few peanuts blended into it. These attract a lot of birds that don't come to the feeders, like woodpeckers. Findley the water will attract almost all birds when water is scarce like during a drought and in the winter when most water supplies are frozen over. I've taken a lot of great bird pictures around the house and garden. If you are dedicated to keeping the feeders and birdbath filled, they will come, and they will keep on coming back year after year.

Answer 3

Attracting birds can be as simple as building a bird feeder. I built one by simply using a 2 ft. sguare of plywood with 1" by 2" trim to keep the seed from blowing away. I then buried a landscaping timber(a 4" by 4" would work) about 2 ft. in the ground until about 4 ft. was sticking above ground and then nailed the plywood feeder to the top of the post. You may want to paint it to make it last longer.
You can also plant certain plants to attract birds like sunflowers and honeysuckle. I'm sure you can search the internet for more plants to attract birds.
T4

Answer 4

Dont worry and have patience - they will find their way to you, it is the run up to the breeding season so they are probably occupied with other things. I have already seen a crow snapping twigs of my Elder trees for her nest, and the bluetits are investigating the nest boxes. Once they realise theres food to be gotten they'll be along. Try changing your feed too - for the hanging feeder buy some sunflower seeds, either black or hearts - hearts are less messy (but a bit more expensive) but the birds love them, I find even the goldfinches who are said to prefer niger seed ignore it and go for the hearts every time. For the bird table try something like Robin Mix - the cheaper bird seed is cheap for a reason - its bulked out by stuff like peas, corn and even dog biscuit which the birds just wont touch. Put some sultanas or raisins out to attract blackbirds and thrushes, they like them, especially for their young in spring (soak them overnight in a jug of water to soften them and plump them out) Some other food you might like to try are porridge oats, fruit scones (the cheap own brand ones do fine)chopped up bacon rind (unsalted), mealworms, and if you ever have any bruised fruit like apples or pears, even grapes that your'e about to throw out - dont - chop them up and put them on the table too. :)Make sure your feeders are sited in the open but within reach of cover. Hope this was of some help

Answer 5

All birds love black oiled sunflower seeds, even the tiny birds. That is all we buy except some cracked corn for the doves. You will attract all types of birds with the sunflower seeds. The tiny birds will get one, hold it between their feet, and open it up. That is fun to watch, and they have lots of food value for the birds.

Answer 6

depends there is bird sounds that need to be low very low not to scare the bird and grass seeds and bird seeds work but if your moving around the garden at the time they will not show.

Answer 7

sing the bird song

Answer 8

Sing

Answer 9

bird feed and a smile

Answer 10

give them some bird seeds................