How to Attract Birds to Your Garden

One of the great and constant delights I have in my interest in birding is to witness the constant movement and activity of birds in our garden. Many of the articles on this blog come directly from observations of birds in the garden. Many of the photos appearing on this blog and in my photo gallery have been taken in the garden or nearby.

People who have an interest in birds often ask “How can I attract more birds to my garden?” There are some simple ways of ensuring a greater number of birds in your garden which will, in turn, bring many hours of pleasure over many years. Here are some simple “rules” to help you:

1. Water: Provide a constant source of water, such as a pond, bird bath or dripping tap into a bowl.
2. Food: Provide a variety of native trees and bushes that become a suitable food source. (In Australia - never put out food like parrot seed for them).
3. Protection: Never let your cat roam the garden - and actively discourage neighbour’s cats from entering your garden.
4. Safety: Provide a safe environment for the birds by not using any poisons like snail bait in your garden.

These are simple and effective methods of ensuring a safe and happy habitat for the birds in your garden.

For more information, go to the Bird Observers Club of Australia website. They have available two downloadable leaflets on attracting birds to your garden. Highly recommended.

Links:

• Attracting Birds to your Garden - part 1

• Attracting Birds to your Garden - part 2

• Bird Observers Club of Australia - one of our largest birding clubs.

• Garden Birds - over 80 articles from my archives about birds in gardens, mostly our garden.

New Holland Honeyeaters