How do I attract birds to my backyard?
Set Up Food and Water
The quickest way to attract birds is with a feeder. Black-oil sunflower seed appeals to many species, while nyjer attracts finches and suet brings woodpeckers and nuthatches. Place feeders where birds feel safe—near cover but not so close that cats can hide nearby.
A birdbath with shallow water (1–2 inches) is often more attractive than food, especially in hot or dry weather. Add a dripper or mister to create movement, which birds notice. Clean and refill the bath every few days to prevent mosquitoes and disease.
- Black-oil sunflower seed: cardinals, chickadees, finches
- Nyjer: goldfinches, siskins
- Suet: woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees
- Mealworms: bluebirds, robins, wrens
- Fruit: orioles, tanagers
Landscape for Shelter and Nesting
Native plants provide natural food (berries, seeds, nectar) and shelter. Shrubs like viburnum, dogwood, and serviceberry offer cover and nesting sites. Trees such as oak and birch support insects that many birds eat.
Leave some leaf litter and brush piles—they harbor insects and provide hiding spots. Avoid pesticides, which reduce the insect population that birds rely on, especially during breeding season.
Common mistakes
- Putting out only one type of seed; a variety attracts more species.
- Placing feeders too close to windows, causing collisions.
- Forgetting to clean feeders regularly, which can spread disease.