Making a bird-friendly back yard

For many homeowners, it is delightful to see birds paying a visit to the backyard. Avid birdwatchers will regularly stock feeders with birdseed, have a guidebook to identify bird species, and always have a pair of binoculars handy by the window.

Keeping a feeder in the yard can easily attract flocks of hungry birds. But to make your property truly bird-friendly, you'll want to make a few changes to the landscaping as well.

Plants native to the area are familiar to local birds, while non-native plants may deter them. Melissa Mayntz, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says birds will recognize native plants as sources of food and shelter. Native plants will also make it easier to maintain the garden, since they will grow naturally in the region's climate.

The landscaping in your yard can serve a number of other purposes as well. Rene Ebersole, writing for the National Audubon Society, says birds will use trees and shrubs to perch, take shelter in inclement weather, and hide from predators.

Birds will be more wary of open areas such as manicured lawns, decks, and patios. Lauren Dunec Hoang, writing for the home design site Houzz, says tree canopies, twiggy shrubs, and small trees can all be helpful. If you have a sizeable lot, you may want to let the outskirts of your home's land stay in its naturally wild state to help attract birds.

Consult with a gardening center or landscaping expert for recommendations on the best plants to use, especially if you are trying to attract a specific type of bird. Mayntz says it is better to create thick clumps of dense vegetation than to spread small plots throughout the yard.

A diverse range of plants can be particularly helpful, since it can attract a wider range of birds. Mayntz says birds may feast on insects, nectar, or a mix of seeds, nuts, and berries. Allowing plants to go to seed instead of removing the flowers will provide another source of food to local birds.

In addition to varying the plants on your property, you can create a greater mix of food in your bird feeder. The National Wildlife Federation says black oil sunflower seeds will attract a wide variety of birds, while thistle or nyjer is best for feeding goldfinches. There are also specialized feeders to provide nectar to hummingbirds and suet to woodpeckers.