You can make your garden attractive to wild birds in many different ways. The easiest is to provide the food they like and a safe place for them to feed. Bird feeders are the best way of providing food for them. When natural foods are scarce during the winter bird feeders can save their lives.

Many different species can be attracted by providing their favorite foods. Feeders specially designed to hold the thistle seeds loved by finches can be bought. Prevent the seeds from getting moldy by keeping them dry in a tube feeder. You could also use a window bird feeder so that you can watch the birds from inside your home.

Speciality feeders can be bought to attract hummingbirds, goldfinches and woodpeckers. Find somewhere safe from predators and close to your bird house. Always check the food in your feeder daily to ensure it is dry and free from mould. Pests such as ants and wasps will be attracted to spilled food so clean it up every day.

Birds benefit most from feeding during the winter but food can be scarce in other seasons too. Put out food throughout the year to help the birds if shortages occur. Make sure you put out food suitable for fledglings in the breeding season.

Water can be provided in bird baths and water pans for bathing and drinking. They will love a safe place to bathe their feathers and preen. Some birds prefer water at ground level, others prefer to bathe high above ground so provide this by placing container at different levels. Place containers shallowly filled with water in a quiet place away from bird feeders as birds do not like noise when they are bathing. The sounds of running water will attract wild birds. Attach a water dripper to your bird bath. It will attract the birds and also prevent mosquitoes breeding in the water.

Provide a natural environment in part of your garden to enhance the wild birds sense of security. Letting wild flowers and plants grow naturally in an area of the garden can provide them with an attractive area.