Birds

2 Pages 386 Words

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
Information supplied by Kaytee Inc.


Attracting birds to your yard is fun and easy. It can be as simple as hanging a single feeder in your yard. But if you want to attract more birds and a greater variety of birds, consider the following suggestions:

Offer a Variety of Different Foods
Different birds like different assortments of seeds. You can attract many kinds of birds to your yard by offering several types of bird foods. Good basic choices are black oil sunflower, a quality wild bird mix, thistle seed and suet. But don't stop there. Have fun exploring what other birds you can attract, by offering foods such as cracked corn, safflower, peanuts and specialty blends. Don't forget to try hummingbird and oriole foods, too!

Provide an Assortment of Feeders
Birds need to feel comfortable and secure when eating at feeders, so keep the following in mind when placing bird feeders in your yard:

Locate feeders close to trees and bushes so birds can easily retreat to safety, if needed.
Put up several feeders in your yard. There will be less competition at the feeders, and you will also be able to offer several varieties of foods.
Select different types of feeders. This is important if you want to attract a wide variety of birds. Depending on the species, some birds prefer the protection of a covered feeder, while others prefer the openness of a platform feeder. Then there are birds who love to eat from tube or mesh feeders.
Vary the height of the feeders. Depending on the species, some birds like the security of eating close to the ground, while others prefer the security of higher places.
Use both hooks and mounting poles to support your feeders. Many birds don't mind the swinging motion of a feeder hanging from a hook, but others are easily scared away by the movement.
Offer a Fresh Source of Water
Birds are naturally attracted to water. They use it for bathing and drinking. Plac...