It is not enough just to choose feeders known to be preferred by certain birds with foods known to attract them. Help them feel at home, by planting your property with ornamental plantings that offer them safe, comfortable shelter and familiar habitat.

For example, mature trees in the area attract woodpeckers, titmice, and nuthatches. A yard with plant diversity, lots of shrubs and trees plus open areas planted with flowers and groundcovers, also attracts cardinals, blue jays, doves, and finches. Wide expanses of lawn attract robins, blackbirds, starlings and other species that like to range in grass. Be sure to include a reliable source of clean, fresh water in the yard. Set out a birdbath or create a water feature for bathing and drinking year round.