Making Your Yard or Outdoor Living Space a Habitat for Birds

I love seeing birds come around the house, and I always have. Bird watching is not only relaxing but you can learn quite a bit about our feathered friends that live nearby. In a time where we all want to do our part to help the world, and nature, this is just one other fun way to do it. There are some easy things we can do to encourage the bird population around us to come in close enough to see and enjoy. I have truly loved doing this, and I have a neighbor that got me started, as well as my parents. There are a lot of interesting and beautiful birds out there. During the seasons where it may get colder, why not help out those feathered friends that are looking for something to eat?

Many people love to bring birds to their outdoor living space. There are some basic things you can do to achieve this.

1. Provide Food for Birds. There are so many bird feeders to choose from now, all with varying prices. Creating your own bird feeder is something you can do. At the very least, scattering out bird feed is one option, as I know we have seen that work at our house. Birds will eat seed right off the ground, like I have seen the wild turkeys do many times here.

2. Provide Water for Birds. If you definitely want birds to come around, help by providing some water for them. People use birdbaths, and not just in the non freezing months anymore. You can find ways to keep your birdbath from freezing over in the winter months if you live in an area that freezes. Ponds work, streams and creeks of course work as well. Birds are not picky, and you can observe them enjoying a small puddle on occasion.

3. Provide a type of cover for Birds. Trees and birdhouses come to mind here. Trees and bushes provide birds a place to feel safe and hidden somewhat from other predators and the elements sometimes. They provide a place for birds to raise their young as well.

4. Plant Native Plants for your area. Educate yourself on the various native plants in your area which is a great help to both the environment and to wildlife. This in turn is a great help to all of us. Select the ones you like, and move forward with planting even if it is just one new plant or tree a year.

A homemade pine cone bird feeder is so easy to make, and it need not be just for kids! Its so simple that its hard to believe. You basically get a pine cone, then tie some string or yarn tightly to the top to make a loop with a double knot. Then, over newspaper or some other surface that you don't mind getting a little messy, apply peanut butter liberally all over the pine cone. Then simply roll in birdseed a couple of times. Its ready to hang outside, from a tree or near a window where you can observe the beautiful birds. I like the combination of a tree, near a window if possible, or a shrub. Birds have place to rest while they are getting the birdseed.