How to create a backyard bird sanctuary for Twenty Dollars or less

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By niellste
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Attract hummingbirds like these right to your window!

Creating your very own backyard bird sanctuary is easy! Be wary though, backyard birding can become quite addictive

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A local walmart
20 dollars

Step 1

1. Walmart sells a mini hummingbird feeder for 99 cents and a window hanger for 3.29. Fill the hummingbird feeder with 4 parts water 1 part sugar and a drop of red food coloring. Attach to window
Step 2

2. Buy a mesh laundry bag and fill it with thistle seed. Thistle seed can be expensive but you can usually buy cheap starter bags for five bucks. Hang on a tree. Thistle seed attracts finches
Step 3

3. Drill holes in a log and fill holes with peanut butter. This is excellent and attracts all kinds of birds. Be wary tho - it also attracts squirrels and other rodents
Step 4

4. Check local supermarkets for less than fresh produce offered at a discounted price. Place in bowls outside. Birds love fruit

Tips & Warnings

Don't be discouraged if birds don't come right away - Trust me they will!
If pests become a problem discontinue the feeders that attract the pests until you can devise a solution (there are solutions out there i will publish articles on dealing with these problems at a later date)
If you are already a gardener research what plants attract different types of birds and make those additions to your garden
Check local laws when it comes to feeding wildlife
Some areas advise against birdfeeding b/c of the dangers involving attracting other animals (even the scarier ones like bears)
be sure to clean your feeders at least once a month; the hummingbird feeders should be cleaned once a week in the cooler months and once every other day in the hotter months

Comments

akalpita said

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on 5/6/2009 nice info :-)and very easy-to-do

wltw said

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on 3/29/2009 Wonderful - 'cept the hummingbird recipe, which has been circulated widely, but is not a good idea. Use a natural red coloring like berry juice, Not Red Food Coloring, which has been found to be dangerous to hummingbirds.