KNOW HOW WATER AND FOOD ATTRACTS SPRING BIRDS

Birds bring joy to thousands of people every day, and there is no better time to enjoy the beauty of these feathered friends than in the spring. The birds are more active then, they sing more, and their colors are more vibrant. There are several keys to attracting spring birds to your garden, backyard or home. Most of them are fairly easy, not too expensive and don't require a lot in the way of engineering knowledge.

The Magic of Water

When it comes to backyard tips for attracting birds, one word is golden: water. If you have good clean water on offer, the birds will come. The easiest way to do this is with a bird bath. You can choose a basic design - birds are not picky - or something elaborate. Bird baths come in all shapes and designs and there is bound to be one that is perfect for your yard.

If you have a large yard, it can be nice to incorporate several bird baths throughout the lawn and garden areas. If your goal is to get up close and personal with your avian visitors, select a hanging bird bath or one that mounts upon a deck. This way you will be able to see the details of goldfinch feathers, the colors of the chickadees and the crests of the tufted titmice.

The Appeal of Food

Bird feeders are the classic way to attract more to your yard. They come in many varieties, including these popular choices:

• Finch and thistle feeders
• Suet feeders
• Platform feeders
• Sunflower and peanut feeders
• Oriole feeders
• Window feeders

Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds. These jewels of the air are easily attracted by nectar feeders. A variety of hummingbird feeders, from big to small, placed close to the home to out in the yard, will attract these iridescent birds in the warm months.

The Lure of a Good Home

Birds crave security and protection from predators. Putting up bird houses where they can rear their young ensures that they will be around for several months. Plus, you get the excitement of seeing the fledglings come out and test their wings. Specialized designs allow you to bring in the most interesting birds in your region. Wren houses, bluebird houses and even houses for owls and flickers are made with those species in mind.

The Science of Attracting Spring Birds

With the right methods and a moderate investment, you can bring in beautiful birds to your yard this spring. You will get to observe these backyard wonders as they go about their mating activities and rearing their young. Just having them nearby allows you to hear their vocalizations, especially in the mornings.