Birds are very intriguing creatures and that is why most people nowadays are turning bird watching into a hobby. The best way to enjoy these marvelous creatures without venturing too far from your home is to attract them to your backyard. The only way to do this is to provide a way for the birds feed in your backyard.
Many people have invested in a bird feeder or more in order to attract birds into their homes. Feeding stations can add beauty to your garden and also attract a variety of birds. When choosing the type of bird feeder that you want, it is important that you get some information on the feeding habits of the birds that you want to attract. There are those that like to cling on something as they eat, and these would prefer a hanging feeder. There are those that will be comfortable with any flat top surface and a regular bird feeder will suffice. There are also those that will need to scratch around on the ground as they hunt for some food and throwing some seed on the ground will do just as well.
When you are placing your feeders make sure that they are in open space. Birds are very cautious and like to see danger from afar so that they can fly away. A bird feeder placed in the open will attract more birds than one placed in an enclosure e.g. the porch.
Apart from the bird feeding location, the kind of food that you place will determine the kind of birds that you attract. Put some Niger seed on your flat topped bird stations and also spread a few handfuls on the ground for those that feed on the ground. You can also hang a special bird feeder filled with Sunflower hearts under a rafter so that the "clingers" can enjoy this particular delicacy.
For those that prefer insects, your local pet store should have suet cakes that have dried mealworms and other assorted insects. Do not forget that birds love water too. Place some bird baths out in the open for the birds to drink from, and bathe in. Birds are vulnerable when their feathers are wet so place the bird baths away from areas accessible to predators.