How To Attract Wild Birds Into Your Garden

Although this post is slightly off topic, it is useful to know how to attract wild birds to your garden especially if you want to attract company for your caged birds.

The other benefits of having wild birds coming to visit is to control your garden insects better in summer. Not to mention it is very entertaining to sit and enjoy watching the birds go about their business, even throughout the winter for those that don’t migrate.

How To Attract Wild Birds

The first way to attract wild birds is to supply them with some year-round protection such as trees and shrubs. Not only can they build their nests here, but plants can also provide a source of food.

Another way on how to attract wild birds is to build or buy a water feature. It could be in the form of a fountain, a small pond or even a bird bath. In this way, you will not only make your garden look more attractive, but also have the bird activity going on.

A bird feeder is also a great idea, especially in winter. Once you start to feed the birds, make sure that you keep doing it right through the winter, as birds often become dependent on the feeders and will have a hard time replacing the food if you stop feeding them.

Here are three very important things to remember when starting to feed the birds:

• Providing water is essential not only as a drink but also for the birds to clean themselves over the winter. This is very important to their survival. There are also heaters available for a small cost that you can purchase that keeps their water from freezing during the cold months.
• It is important to use high-quality feed and not purchase the less inexpensive filler-laden foods. These fillers actually increase the price to you and the birds will not eat any of the fillers so the less expensive feed actually becomes a waste of money. It is also important to put out a suet feeder for the birds so that they get the essential oils during the winter months. This can be homemade or purchased for very little money at bird supply stores.
• You must clean your bird feeder with a soap and water solution or even better, a 10% bleach and 90% water solution. It is recommended to clean it out at least once a month. This is to prevent mouldy feed from forming and also helps to sanitise the feeder to prevent unwanted diseases. Birds will attempt to eat mouldy food, but it is life threatening to them, so please take a little time to keep your feeder clean. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly before refilling.

You will be surprised at all the different types of birds that come to enjoy your food and water. They can provide you with many hours of entertainment and enjoyment. There are many helpful books to identify the birds that will soon find your new feeder!

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