How to Attract Wild Birds - Page 1
An Introduction
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 Once upon a time, our family thought all birds looked alike and that they were all sparrows. (The animated bird to the right is a Chipping Sparrow that was visiting our vines of Coral Honeysuckle.)
We couldn't have imagined the multitude of colors and body shapes and flight patterns and sizes and songs that would begin to emerge once we began to pay a little attention to my surroundings. Now, the whole family is pretty good at spotting rare birds during spring and fall migration.
We had neglected to notice what a vivid world of butterflies, wild birds, spiders, other insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals was right outside our door offering an endless supply of surprises and lessons. We were amazed at how easily we could make a few adjustments to our yard only to see it change from a near "ghost town" into a miniature universe bursting at the seams with life.
"Turn a barren landscape into a
miniature universe bursting with life"
Young and old can benefit from attracting, watching and feeding wild birds and other backyard wildlife. Whether you have a thousand acres of natural habitat or a tiny enclosed courtyard off an apartment, you can create an inviting location that colorful wild birds will appreciate.
Bird watching is an activity that is easily and inexpensively available during all daylight hours. (Night birding is also fun if you are patient.) You can practice it from home or you can travel on great vacations which include a little bird watching. It can be a casual hobby or a regular part of every day.
How to begin attracting more birds to your location
 You don't have to dig giant gardens or spend a fortune on exotic trees. The next four pages in this section will give you a working knowledge of how to attract wild birds to your location. If you experiment on your own, you will keep improving your results. Keep in mind that season to season and year to year the number of birds visiting your garden will vary.
Birding or bird watching away from home:
Regardless of how much you enjoy bird watching, always be considerate of the birds, their habitat and any other bird watchers. We, enthusiastic types, must always respect private property signs. Always keep your distance from nesting birds, roosting birds, etc. Also, remember that any habitat that attracts wild birds might also attract mosquitos, snakes, skunks, porcupines and other interesting wildlife. Don't keep looking up into the treetops and wander into a hornet's nest!
- Be considerate of birds and birders
- Never enter private property without permission
- Don't approach too closely
- Stay on established paths
- Bring the mosquito spray
- Stay aware of other wildlife - snakes, etc.
- Don't wander off a cliff (don't forget to look down occasionally!)
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That last comment comes from living in the Texas Hill Country!
 CLICK HERE to locate your Audubon Society. They are well versed in rare sightings and can help you identify any unusual wild birds. They may also have state lists of birds to guide you and/or they can direct you to the best field guides for your specific area.
Want to see more birding pages?
How to attract wild birds:
1. How to Attract Wild Birds - Introduction ------ (you are here)
2. Water Features
3. Backyard Habitat - Protective Cover & Nesting
4. Feeding Wild Birds
Other sections of wild bird pages:
5. Wild Birds FAQ
6. Wild Birds Disease & Dangers
7. Injured Wild Birds - Links to Help
8. Wild Birds Photographs - ID Help
9. How to Attract Hummingbirds
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