If you're into backyard bird watching and want to attract different birds, you can start by learning what the different food and nesting preferences are. There are many sites on-line, which you can find by typing the name of the bird you wish to attract into the search box. The best site is The Audubon society.

Creation of habitats for birds is much needed. Every year, as the number of destroyed and cut forests grows, more and more birds die from lack of a suitable habitat for nesting and/or feeding grounds. Like humans, they are more prone to disease if they do not eat the foods they need. In your own back yard, you can help by taking a few easy, low-cost steps.

My Mother and I practice all of these ideas in our one-acre back yard. We have enjoyed watching a family of red headed woodpeckers reproduce for seven years. Each year we plant for the hummingbirds and always hold our breath when the first one graces our garden. You too can attract birds to your backyard and become an avid bird watcher.

Nesting sites
1-Plant native trees for birds to nest in.
2-Use a cat repellent around base of trees to protect nests and eggs.
3-In large yards, allow an area to grow wild for birds to hide and nest in.
4-Hang birdhouses on poles that cats can't climb.
5-Hang birdhouses on the sides of buildings in out of the way areas to protect from cats.
6-Plant a large bed of grasses for ground nesters.

Food
1-Plant trees and shrubs that bear fruit or berries
2-Provide bird-feeders on poles that cats can not climb.
3-Use some form of squirrel guard.
4-Plant a bed of sunflowers and let it go to seed.
5-Plant flowers that bear seeds favored by birds.
6-Provide suet cakes for the birds on trees and fence posts.

Water
1-Birdbaths or garden pools are a must, especially in hot weather.
2-Place birdbaths in open areas so birds can see any predator approach.
3-Keep the birdbath full as birds will become accustomed to it.
4-Clean only with a scrubber and a few caps of vinegar in a gallon of water.
5-Do not use chemicals to kill the algae
6-Change the water every other day and clean well once a week.
7 Note when most birds are present and turn on your sprinkler at this time each day.

Sand baths
1-Fill a birdbath with sand and watch the birds antics.
2-Sand helps to control mites.
3-Sprinkle cat repel around the base.

Woodpeckers
1-If a tree dies in an area that does not pose a safety hazard, leave it.
2-Owls and woodpeckers will feed and nest in the soft wood.

Humming birds
1-Hang several small feeders instead of one.
2-Fill with one part sugar to four parts water boiled for three minutes.
3-Never, use food coloring
4-Hang feeders in the shade
5-Change the fluid about twice a week.
6-Rub a small amount of cooking oil on hanger to discourage ants.
7-Clean with one part vinegar and four parts water, or half fill with rice and shake well.

Migratory birds passing through.

1- With a little research, you can find out the type and time of migrations in your area.
2-Supply extra water and food for these birds too.

All birds are necessary to the earth's cycle of life. From the tiny iridescent humming bird to the regal American eagle, they are lovely singers, graceful in the air and beautiful to watch. They are also our helpers, as they eat harmful bugs, mosquitoes and mice as well as spreading seeds to other areas. The next time you see a sassy blue jay or a bopping robin; think how we would miss them if all the birds were gone.