Invite birds into your backyard

If you're new to birding, the best place to begin is in your backyard. Of course, birds are choosey about where they visit or live. They need adequate shelter, food, and water. (Photo of Blue Jay provided by Dave Menke, USFWS) Do evergreen trees and shrubs grow in your backyard? These can provide birds with year-round protection from weather, while deciduous trees (those with leaves that fall in autumn and return in the spring) can provide roosting and nesting locations. For example, the white birch tree beside my house is a favorite roosting spot for the many birds visiting my feeder. In every season the branches of this tree are daily filled with a host birds awaiting a turn at the feeder. Trees and shrubs also provide birds with seeds, fruits, and nuts. A yard providing shelter, food, and water will attract many birds. If you've no natural water source (pond or stream), you can always include a pedestal bird bath to your landscape. But be sure to keep the water fresh and clean. Start now. Take a survey of the trees and bushes in your yard and be sure to see who's visiting within their branches today. Georgia Anne