Baby house wren peeking out of a bird house

9 Things That Make Birds Choose Your Yard Over Others

Back in the good old days, we understood that simply throwing seeds would not attract birds. We were taught by our grandparents that making your yard a place where birds will want to live is an art. Today I am going to share some of the methods that have stood the test of time to make sure your yard is the birds' number one choice, just like the wisdom of the old timers who knew a thing or two about living with nature.

1. Build a Singing Water Feature

Two Anna's hummingbirds play in the birdbath
Image Credit: Depositphotos.

Moving water will attract birds more than anything else. With a little solar fountain or a solar bubbler birdbath accessory, you will see how the gentle splashes will bring our feathered friends. Just keep the water clean and at a depth of 2-3 inches. This will keep the water good for songbirds and bigger birds too.

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2. Plant a Living Buffet

Mulberry
Image Credit: Depositphotos

Birds enjoy eating food that comes from their natural environment more than things we provide in bird feeders. By planting native sunflowers, coneflowers, and berries you are creating a bird buffet! These plants offer food for birds throughout the entire year. It also reminds me of my grandma's garden where she had birds that would eat from the garden from sunrise until sunset.

3. Build a Brush Pile Paradise

Spruce
Image Credit: Depositphotos

Just like when we were kids and built forts, birds also need places to hide. Try to gather some branches and twigs and make a natural shelter for birds. They will be able to escape from predators and bad weather, and they will also be able to find some insects and spiders to eat, which are great natural protein snacks!

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4. Offer Multiple Dining Levels

bird feeder with popsicle sticks
Image Credit: Depositphotos.

Different birds like to feed at different heights. Just like we all have our favorite spots at the dinner table! Set up feeding stations at different heights. Some close to the ground for juncos and doves, and some higher for chickadees and finches. This invites all different kinds of bird visitors!

5. Keep Those Feeders Clean

Platform Feeder
Image Credit: Depositphotos

When Mom used to say that it was \"cleanliness is next to godliness,\" you might not have understood why she said it. It was probably because many religious texts mention that it is a virtue to practice cleanliness. Like a lot of things, when you do it often enough, you start to learn it. mom probably had to teach you things like that because she noticed some areas of your living space that perhaps need to be cleaned up and organized. It sticks with us. Here's a way to clean your bird feeders: mix 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and use that to scrub your feeders. Just like washing dishes.

6. Create Natural Shelter

Baby house wren peeking out of a bird house
Image Credit: Depositphotos.

Like us, birds need protection from the weather and from predators; birds also benefit from having dense shrubs, and especially, evergreens that provide cover year-round. These hiding places give birds safe places to rest and nest. Make your yard a home for birds!

7. Ditch the Chemicals

Sparrow Bread
Image Credit: Depositphotos

When have you seen a flourishing garden with a lot of chemicals? Natural yards are the healthiest for birds. Pesticides should be avoided because nature has its own way of keeping everything in balance. You'll have plenty of insects, which means a natural food source for the birds and healthier soil!

8. Provide Nesting Materials

Bluebird nest and eggs inside a hollow fence post
Image Credit: Depositphotos.

You can give your feathered friends natural materials for nesting. Things like short lengths of string, some cotton, or little sticks are good to offer. Just like we are proud of our houses, birds are fussy about what goes in their nest, so make sure everything is natural and free from chemicals.

9. Maintain Quiet Zones

Hummingbird in dusk
Image Credit: Depositphotos

Just like us, birds like it when things are peaceful an quiet. Try creating a tranquil space free from noise and activity. Remember the quiet backyards we used to have? Birds like that kind of and environment too!