| From Classbrain.com Outdoor Gardening Attracting
Birds to the Garden A gardener's relationship with birds is one of mutual benefit. The gardener provides for a few of the birds basic needs, and the birds help to keep down the insect population while treating us to an unending source of entertainment. Birds take their role as insect predator seriously. A single bird will gulp down 500 to 1,000 insects in an afternoon. Birds have four primary needs: food, water, shelter, and a place to raise a family. As you'll see, these needs are easily met.
Two types of seeds, white proso millet and black oil sunflower seeds, will attract most common seed-eating birds. These two seeds should be the mainstay in your feeders. To broaden the diversity of birds visiting your feeders, add species-specific seeds such as red proso millet, black- and gray-striped sunflower seeds, Niger thistle (for goldfinches, pine siskins and purple finches), milo and peanut kernels (for chickadees and white tufted titmice). Beef suet helps birds maintain their body heat in cold weather. Hang plastic mesh bags of suet or pinecones dipped in melted suet from tree limbs. Woodpeckers are particularly appreciative of this treat. For more suggestions on feeding birds, see Leigh Abernathy's article It's For The Birds. If you're interested in attracting hummingbirds to your garden, see Naomi Mathew's article Creating a Hummingbird Haven. Water
Birds need shelter to protect them from the elements and allow them to hide from predators. Dense, twiggy shrubs and evergreens are the shelter of choice for most birds. Nesting Sites When hanging your birdhouse, position the entrance hole away from prevailing winds. About
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