Why Some Gardens Are Always Full of Birds – 9 Things They Have in Common
Discover the best conditions for our feathered friends and you'll have a yard alive with birdsong and beauty
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There are many joys to be had from a garden visited by birds – from the movement and color they bring, to the peaceful charm of watching them flit and feed, or hearing them chirruping in the trees. Yet, have you ever wondered why some gardens are always full of birds, while others lack feathered visitors?
Not only is a garden filled with birds pleasant to our eyes and ears, recent research from King’s College London found that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing that can last up to eight hours.
1. A bird bath (or two)
In the winter, when large swathes of the landscape are frozen, birds can struggle to find water, which they need for drinking and bathing. Installing a bird bath is the best thing you can do to help garden birds in winter and attract them to your yard according to Becca Rodomsky-Bish, Garden for Birds project director at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
'A bird bath would be my first choice, even over seed,' says Becca. 'In the cold months water can be the hardest thing for them to find. You will also attract a greater diversity of birds at a water station. Not all will visit a feeder, but all will come to water. I get sharp-shinned hawks, warblers and thrushes at mine.'
This traditional column bird bath from Lowes offers a classical style and plenty of space for birds to drink and bathe. Where to place a bird bath is key. Situate it at least 10' away from walls, posts, hedging and other places where predators like cats, chipmunks, or racoons could hide or pounce.
'It's great to attract birds but we don't want to put them in danger,' says Becca. 'We have a responsibility to make choices to keep them safe, so avoid placing bird baths, feeders or nest boxes near to trees or posts that predators could spring from.
'Many birds like baths at ground level and that will attract different species than a raised type,' adds Becca. 'I have a couple of bird baths on rotation in the winter. I fill one with mildly warm water in the morning, then bring it in at the end of the day when it's frozen and replace it with another. Alternatively, the heated bird baths can be useful too.'
'A stepped birdbath with several levels is another good option,' says Kim. 'If you can't find one, simply place some stones in the birdbath to offer little birds safe access to the water.'
Becca recommends keeping bird baths clean by changing the water daily and rinsing them out each week. 'It's not as critical this time of year, but rinsing them weekly keeps them clean, and disrupts the mosquitos' life cycle, as any larvae that might be in the water is washed away,' says Becca. 'Scour the bird bath with mild detergent, rinse it and fill it back up.'
A non-toxic cleaner like this Dr Bronners Pure Castile liquid soap from Amazon would be suitable for bird bath care.
Becca Rodomsky-Bish is the project leader for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) at Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which runs annually in February and unites birdwatchers from around the world. Becca's background is in environmental education, and the GBBC is a great way to engage birdwatchers at a variety of levels and experience.
2. A variety of feeders
Feeding birds in winter will bring them to your yard. It's vital too, as they can lose up to 10% of their body weight in one night just trying to stay warm.
Unsurprisingly different types of birds, like to eat different types of food. So hanging a variety of feeders will attract a variety of species. Although, be sure to hang them away from predator access.
'Cardinals like platform feeders, while Chickadees, Finches and Titmice like tube feeders,' explains Becca. 'Suet feeders are great for Sapsuckers, Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens and Warblers.
'We recommend offering a diversity of food at a diversity of heights. As some birds, like dark-eyed Juncos and the Blackbird family, prefer to forage on the ground.
'Although, if you had to choose just one type of feed and feeder, a hopper feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds would be a good option, as that seed is a favorite for lots of birds. Squirrel-proof feeders are effective too if you want to prevent them eating the seeds.'
This black oil sunflower seed from Ace Hardware is available in two sizes and can be poured into this squirrel-proof bird feeder also from Ace Hardware, which has a weight activated seed shield and sure lock cap, to stop squirrels from accessing the seed. It's also worth considering seed storage ideas, if you're keeping large packs in the shed.
'Providing supplemental food in winter can help birds get through a snowy period,' continues Becca. 'We recommend feeding birds in winter as food sources are hard to find, but I take my feeders down in spring, because where I live the bears will drag them away. I also garden intentionally for birds, so there are berries, bugs and other food sources for them here.'
3. A variety of supplemental food
Hanging different types of bird feeder will naturally encourage you to offer different types of feed, as some models will hold suet, tiny seeds or larger seed, nuts and fruit. In turn, this will attract and support various species.
Want to see Nuthatches, Titmice and Chickadees? They enjoy shelled (unsalted) peanuts, while others like Bluebirds, Robins, Mockingbirds and Waxwings will feast on fruit, especially oranges and grapes (throw away any fruit that becomes moldy as this can be harmful). Provide suet, if you want to lure Woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds to your garden.
'I often make my own suet but you can buy it too,' says Becca. 'The square suet cakes made with animal fat, ground grain, oats and corn will keep its form. Some suet sold for birds has seeds, nuts or fruit in it. I usually go for one with maximum calories.'
This National Audubon Society Woodpecker and berry multi-pack suet from Lowe's should keep your feathered friends well fed for a few weeks. Place it in this Heart & Herd metal hanging suet bird feeder, also from Lowe's, so they can access it easily.
It's also important to know what not to feed birds, as we can unintentionally cause them harm.
'It's not a good idea to give birds table scraps or bread, or anything that isn't good for us, such as peanut butters with additives in them,' says Becca. 'I would also avoid giving them nuts or seed with spices that deter squirrels, as there isn't enough science on the effect on birds.'
4. Cone baffles
Attracting birds to your garden may also attract other wildlife. They need to eat too but if you've bought seed specifically for birds a baffle is handy. Some squirrel-proof bird feeders come equipped with baffles (a cone or dome-shaped guard that blocks access to larger critters).
However, it's possible to buy baffles separately. So if you have other fauna stealing your bird snacks, or you want to deter predators from your feeders, it's a good idea to fix baffles to them.
'Squirrel-proof feeders and baffles are the best way to protect bird food,' says Becca.
Attach this gray squirrel baffle from Lowe's to your existing feeder to stop raids from rodents.
5. Layered, native tree cover
Of course feeders and water stations are important, but emulating nature is the best way to attract birds and wildlife. Native trees provide nesting, cover and often food for birds too, in the form of berries or bugs.
'For nesting and cover, different bird species have different requirements, so plant diversity and layering in your landscape will attract a broader diversity of birds,' says Kim.
'Raptors like hawks like to be at the top of tall canopy trees. Owls and woodpeckers gravitate to the interior of tall canopy trees. Other bird species utilize midstory and understory trees – mockingbirds and cardinals fall into this category.'
'Multiple layers of foraging are ideal,' agrees Becca. 'Tall trees are important but they take time to grow, so a small tree canopy with a shrub canopy is valuable too, as some birds nest and forage at this level.'
This white flowering dogwood tree from Nature Hill's is native to Eastern North America and can be planted in early spring; it's a favorite for Red Cardinals.
6. Dense and diverse native plants and shrubs
Native planting throughout your yard at different heights will encourage and protect birdlife. The best plants for birds will be dependent on your region but if you garden with wildlife in mind, it can make a big difference.
'Birds like Eastern Towhees are shrub nesters, they seek out brush piles and thickets,' says Kim Eierman, Founder of EcoBeneficial. 'So when planting, don’t forget to include regionally native evergreen trees and shrubs. These plants can provide important cover in winter, in severe weather conditions year-round, and offer places for birds to hide from predators.'
Shrubs like this red chokeberry bush from Nature Hills are popular with Cedar Waxwings, Mockingbirds and Robins.
Becca and Kim both emphasise that the key to providing supportive habitat for birds is to emulate healthy natural areas. 'Native plants are the foundation to being able to support birds,' says Becca. 'Insects are so dependent on native plants. Butterflies and moths lay millions of eggs on plants that they have a specific relationship with, such as Monarchs and Milkweed.
'In nesting season, most songbirds feed their young on caterpillars. Without caterpillars the birds will struggle to feed their babies. Caterpillars are protein-packed and birds need to eat a lot of them to grow. Loss of habitat and the ecosystem birds rely on is a big reason for their demise. Native planting can help, so we recommend plant diversity, density and layering'.
Jen McGuinness, author, Bird-Friendly Gardening agrees 'Native plants provide either the insects, seeds, or berries that birds need to thrive and will feed a wider variety of birds than bird feeders alone,' she says.
'Technically a native plant is one that has been present for hundreds or thousand of years in a particular region. Plants in the US are considered native if they occurred prior to European colonization. It has evolved with the wildlife and insects in the area, and sometimes it needs specific insects for pollination or birds to spread seeds.
'It's also worth remembering that in some cases, it’s not the bright blooms that bring the songbirds in – it’s the spent blooms as they turn into seedheads.'
If Milkweed is native to your region, these Asclepias Speciosa Showy Milkweed seeds from Burpee can be started indoors from mid-February to early March.
'We need to graduate from our focus on bird feeders,' agrees Kim. 'While feeders can provide supplemental food, natural food sources are much more critical. For example, planting Purple Coneflower or Little Bluestem will provide seeds for Gold Finches.
'Use nature as your reference when designing habitat and selecting plants. If you live in the Northeast, where layered forests prevail, then plant that way and use regionally native plants that are found in that ecosystem.
'If you live in the desert of Arizona, your plant palette and habitat design will be completely different. To have a successful landscape for birds, get to know your local ecosystem and reflect it in your landscape.'
These Purple Coneflower Echinacea seeds from True Leaf Market are native to Eastern North America and need to be stratified before planting in the spring.
Kim Eierman is the Founder of EcoBeneficial LLC and author of The Pollinator Victory Garden. She is an ecological landscape designer and environmental horticulturist specializing in native plants. Based in New York, Kim teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Native Plant Center and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.
Based in Connecticut, Jen McGuinness is a garden writer, photographer and author of Bird-Friendly Gardening from Cool Springs Press. She is also founder of the blog, FrauZinnia and champions organic and wildlife-friendly gardening. She holds a Home Horticulture Certificate from the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension and is a product tester for plant nurseries.
7. Nesting boxes
It's not nesting season just yet, but it will be soon. If you like the idea of a garden filled with songbirds, a bird house can provide shelter and a place for some species to lay their eggs.
Be aware that not all nesting boxes are created equal and some – although they look charming – can put birds and their young in danger. So shop judiciously.
'The size of the entrance needs to be big enough for the bird but small enough that a predator can't get access,' says Becca. 'Some bird houses have a little landing stick too. These are bad news, as they are the perfect place for a snake or squirrel to have an entry point. Birds don't need those, they will just land on the hole.
This bird house from Ace Hardware is built with a hole size specific to Wrens to prevent larger birds and predators from entering.
'Where we put a nesting box really matters too,' says Becca. 'If we're not mindful of keeping the space safe and away from predators, we're inadvertently setting a trap for the birds. Their physical safety and that of their nestlings is critical.
'Avoid putting nest boxes on tree trunks and fence posts – which is where you commonly see them – as these places provide easy access for cats, squirrels, and other predators. Some bird houses can be hung on a pole. Attaching cone baffles and guards can be useful on nesting boxes as well as feeders, to protect the adults and their nestlings.'
8. A healthy ecosystem
A relaxed approach to gardening and using organic or eco-friendly garden practices go a long way to helping birds and other wildlife. Birds eat bugs, so poisoning everything with pesticide can be lethal to more than the target. There are plenty of non-toxic ways to get rid of aphids and other infestations if you need to. However, birds are great for pest control - so it's a win win.
'Birds are your best pesticide, they will eat invasive insects and manage pest populations,' says Becca. 'I have far fewer issues with pests since I have increased the bird habitat in my garden. They are the best predators for bugs.
'Zero chemicals is ideal but if you do need to use something, choose a targeted application. I sometimes use nematodes, which can be a good option if necessary.'
It's worth encouraging beneficial bugs with a number of wildlife garden ideas as this will create a healthy ecosystem. Jen McGuinness recommends the following bird-friendly gardening practices:
• Incorporating organic gardening with no pesticides or herbicides
• Leaving stems and seedheads
• Making brush piles for birds to hunt and hide in
• Leaving fallen leaves on your property
• Keeping cats indoors
'Making smart, bird-friendly choices is an easy way to make a difference, whether you have a lot of land, a small size garden, or a balcony,' says Jen.
This Predalure from Burpee will lure lady beetles, lacewings and other beneficial bugs to your garden. As well as providing food for birds, this can help to keep it free from whitefly, aphids and more without the need to spray chemicals.
9. Decals on windows and reflective surfaces
Another recommendation that our experts do to help garden birds, when luring them to their living spaces, is incorporating decals on windows. This is to warn birds of reflective surfaces and prevent collisions.
'Birds will fly into a surface if it looks like a nature-scape,' says Becca. 'So if you look at your windows and see trees and clouds reflected, that's exactly what birds see.
'There are a variety of products that can help prevent bird collisions and still maintain the view from the window. Whether window film, decals and vinyl tape or screens and spaced paracords, these items create a subtle patten, which if the bird can see, will prevent them flying towards the window.'
These classic square anti-collision decals from Amazon can help to prevent window strikes.
Whether we grow trees, shrubs and plants for birds, put out feeders, bird baths and nesting boxes or stop using pesticides, there is so much we can do to bring birds to our gardens. As well as contributing to our own enjoyment, these small steps will help populations to recover and thrive.
'There is a particular thrill to having birds come to your garden because of the choices you made to bring them,' says Jen.
