Our own backyards can be a wonderful resource for enjoying bird-watching and can remain a place where a lifelong interest in nature can be nurtured.    Children who have the opportunity for studying birdlife right on their own doorsteps will be fortunate in finding an absorbing, free and enjoyable interest.

If you want to have more birds of different varieties visiting your garden you  might  find it helpful to improve the habitat to make it much more of a bird magnet.   Birds can be attracted by erecting nest boxes and by placing bird feeders and bird baths in strategic places in your garden.  A variety of trees and shrubs will provide shelter for them in the winter as well as natural food supplies such as grubs and insects.    A good thick hedge will be protection from predators and provide a home for insects, which in turn will be excellent food for the birds.   It's important to limit any use of pesticides of course.

Bird Feeders

If you are going to feed the birds you should work out the best vantage place for watching them and place the feeders accordingly.   You should also consider the position of the feeders with regard to the weather.   In bad weather birds are vulnerable and really need the food, so place the feeder so that it is reasonably convenient for you to access it for replenishing.   Naturally when birds feed there will be some droppings and seeds and husks that are spilled, so bear that in mind when choosing a site.

Squirrels can be a tricky problem, as they frighten the birds away, eat their food and toss it about.   Hanging a feeder from a tree-branch is asking for trouble, as agile squirrels will find it very easily.   Probably the best feeder would be made of metal (since squirrels can chew through wood and even plastic), and mounted on a pole, but take advice from your garden centre.

The bird food for the feeder should definitely contain sunflower seeds, safflower and millet, all favourites with many birds.   Mixed seeds aren't recommended as they often contain a large amount of red millet which doesn't get eaten and is only wasted.  Birds will also appreciate fat/suet balls, especially in cold weather and these can be hung up on a piece of string or pushed onto any convenient projection.    Once you've set up your feeders it will take a little time for the birds to find them, but when they do your patience will be amply rewarded.

Feeding isn't likely to be bad for birds, as they don't feed in one location only and so won't become dependent just on your contributions alone.

Bird Baths

A bird bath is the best way of providing water and is a real boon to birds, as it can sometimes be quite difficult for birds to find a source of clean water.   It will bring its own rewards to you too.    A bird bath is one of the easiest ways to enjoy birds  up close where you can get a really good look at them.   It is an even greater attraction to more species of birds than a feeder, as even the insect and fruit eating birds will be attracted to the bird bath.