Birdfeeders

So you want to start feeding birds in your yard, but what is the best way to start to insure success? This is actually pretty simple. To start with, there are some basic things to consider. Birds will be most comfortable in an area that offers protection, food and water. If you have shrubs and trees nearby to offer protection from predators, shelter and places to raise their young, birds will be comfortable in your yard. There are many types of bird feeders that are all designed to attract different species of birds, but to begin, it is best to invest in a good tube bird feeder which is then filled with sunflower seeds. A tube bird feeder can be hung from a tree branch, mounted on a pole, or hung on a hook attached to a deck railing or fence. These are easy to fill, have multiple perches and are familiar to most birds. Fill it with sunflower seeds, for the greatest  variety of birds love sunflower seeds. There are three types of sunflower seeds: the gray striped seed is the largest, next is the medium sized black striped seed and the smallest is the black oil sunflower seed with solid black hulls. Birds like them all, but the small black oil seed is preferred by most seed eating birds. Its thin shell makes it the easiest to eat and it has a higher oil content than the other two. Hang your new tube bird feeder in plain view and not too close to the house and you will be thrilled with the bird activity which begins in your yard. Be sure to have a source of water nearby as well. An attractive bird bath is a nice addition, but not necessary. Any shallow container filled with clean, fresh water and placed near places to perch and preen will be enjoyed.