Many people both those who live in the city and those who live in the country have a birdhouse or two and a couple of bird feeders in their yard. Birdhouses and feeders are one way to attract a bit of nature to watch and enjoy for very little cash outlay. Birds can bring so much enjoyment filling up that harsh winter landscape with color, waking you with a lilting song and amusing you with their flight patterns and feeding habits. If you are lucky you may even be able to watch them raise families of their own.

Bird Feeders

The best way to start attracting birds to your yard is with bird feeders. Once a bird knows where he can get a ready supply of food he likes he will return again and again. There are 3 basic types of bird feeders and a wide variety of special feeders to choose from as well. Let’s take a look at some of these feeders.

Tray feeders are the most basic type of bird feeder and they are inexpensive to buy and simple to make. They consist of a simple platform on which you spread the bird seed. The platform usually has drain holes to allow water to drain off the seed and many have roofs to help protect the seed from getting wet.

Hopper feeders are platform feeders with walls and a roof to help protect the seed. They do need to be cleaned often however as they are not waterproof.

Tube feeders are often waterproof and consist of a plastic tube with several holes called ports and perches. A special tube feeder for nectar is used for hummingbirds and filled with sugar water for these littlest of birds. Nectar feeders should be easy to take apart as they will need to be cleaned frequently.

Other feeders include Nyjer feeders, suet feeders and peanut feeders. Choosing bird feeders that are made from metal or plastic rather than wood makes them easier to clean.

Birdhouses

Once you have established your bird feeders and the birds are coming around regularly then if you want to have your birds live in your home birdhouses may be a great investment. There are so many different kinds of houses for birds it would be impossible to list them all. When looking for birdhouses and feeders it is always a good idea to learn what types of birds are prevalent in your area and then choose birdhouses and feeders for those types of birds.

If you like building you can even find plans on the internet for building your own birdhouses and feeders. While purchasing this equipment is easier, it may be more personally satisfying to provide your friends with birdhouses and feeders you built yourself.

Keep in mind however, if you start feeding our feathered friends in the winter time, it is essential that you continue all winter as the birds come to depend on this food and if their food source is removed they may die of hunger.

Having birdhouses and bird feeders in your yard is a great way to enjoy a little bit of nature all year long regardless of where you live.

Nicole Roberts
RainbowsEndOutdoorLiving.com offers high quality, affordable Birdhouses and Feeders, Outdoor Furniture and Decorations that are perfect for you, your friends, and loved ones. Our Outdoor Furniture and Decorations make great gifts.