Backyard Birding
Birds are a joy to watch. We can show you how to attract more birds to your yard and keep them safe from preditors. Birds will come to your yard if you give them what they need.
- Food
- Water
- Nesting sites
- Safety
Each species of bird has its own likes and dislikes. To quickly attract a variety of birds, offer a variety of food. To keep the birds coming back, year after year, plan ahead. Plant flowers and shrubs the birds can use for food or shelter. Put out a large pan of water. Plant trees that provide seeds and places to build nests. One of the best ways to attract birds is to leave dead trees standing in your yard. Woodpeckers love them. Songbirds sing from the bare branches — where they are easy to see. Leave some thickets for the birds. Tangled branches are a great place to hide.
Click on the topics below for tips and in-depth descriptions of how to turn your backyard into a wild bird's paradise.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Responses about hummingbird feeding, how to keep birds from hitting your windows, and much more
- Backyard Bird Feeding
- Learn the best ways to provide food for your wild feathered friends
- Bird Houses
- Details about how to choose and build birdhouses for a variety of birds
- Landscaping for Wild Birds
- Create a back yard habitat that will attract the birds you want to see
- Keeping Your Backyard Birds Safe
- Eliminate garden hazards such as predators, reflective windows, and pesticides
- Saving Migratory Birds
- What can you do to help migrant birds passing by your garden?
- Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program
- A National Wildlife Federation Project
- Great Backyard Bird Count
- An annual census of wild birds
