Bird Habitats

Any wildlife habitat requires four things: Shelter, food, water and a place to raise babies. A backyard can become a bird habitat with little effort.

Shelter

Birds need shelter from predators and weather. This can be provided through a combination of plants, trees and man-made nesting boxes or birdhouses. Identify the birds that are visiting your yard to determine their specific shelter needs.

Food Source

Plants and bushes such as blackberries, sunflowers or bee balm (for hummingbirds) can provide a food source. Hang suet feeders and regular bird feeders for supplemental feeding.

Water Source

A water source can be provided by a bird bath. Change the water two or three times a week to cut down on the mosquito population during warm weather. During winter months, install a small water heater to keep the water from freezing.

A Place to Rear Young

You can provide nesting boxes or birdhouses for wild birds. Plants such thistle and various shrubs or trees can provide shelter for rearing young.

Green Gardening

Use green gardening practices--mulching, composting, and reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals--to better benefit visiting birds. Add native plants and remove invasive plants from your garden.

References

• National Wildlife Federation