A Human’s Love For Birds
Avians. Probably the most sought after and admired creatures in the world. We spend countless dollars trying to attract birds to our back yards. We hike different terrains in search of them. We climb mountains just to watch them soar in their natural realm. The ease at which they fly has captivated man’s desire to want to do the same for centuries. They are a species without boundaries. Capable of being in front of us one minute, and then miles away the next.
The desire for one to attract birds to their backyard has been a passion for many homeowners for centuries. We put an assortment of feeders out and fill them with a variety of seeds in an attempt to get them to come around. Placing a bird feeder in your yard will bring you birds, but planting an environment will attract them year round. And it’s actually very easy to do!
Build an Bird-Friendly Environment
All birds need a few core resources – water, food, shelter, and nest building materials. 
Water
Provide water year round for your new backyard visitors. A simple birdbath will do or any shallow container. Change the water every two to three days and place a heater in it during the winter months to prevent the water from freezing. Keep it at least 10 feet from any brush cover that a bird predator may be lurking in
Food and Surroundings
Select an assortment of perennials, trees and shrubs that produce nectar, berries, nuts or seeds for food. The use of native plants will bring you a wider range of birds and the plants will thrive in our ecosystem with little to no attention from you. The native plants also play host for many varieties of insects that are vital to the diet of many local birds. Avoid spraying insecticides around your habitat as this will only eliminate those same bugs and caterpillars that your avian friends are seeking and discourage them from visiting.
Shelter
All birds need some form of shelter from both predators and the weather. A small brush pile in one corner of the property will provide a safe haven, roosting area and easy food in the way of insects and bugs. You can also place bird houses around the perimeter for both shelter and to encourage nesting. Avoid using bird houses with perches as this only provides a spot where competing species can sit and pick on the local resident.
And, by all means, put up your bird feeders. Bird feeders provide the much needed food resources during hard times when natural food is scarce. It also allows you to attract a wider range of birds to your back yard for viewing opportunities. Fill your bird feeder with wild bird food and hang it near a window to watch the birds come and go.
Let this summer be your bird watching summer. Enjoy the beauty and sounds that they may bring to your home.