To Attract Birds to Your Yard, Wild Birds Unlimited Says Start with Plants

Bird hobbyists employ any number of tricks, products, food and attractions to lure birds to their yards, and Wild Birds Unlimited stores provide solutions and guidance for every strategy. But while the right combination of colors or accessible food sources will attract passing birds, few will make a permanent visitation spot out of a yard that does not provide a natural nesting or resting environment. In short, “if you don’t have the habitat, you won’t get the birds.”

That’s according to Kellie Watts, co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Lake Forest Park, Washington. Watts’s best advice for creating an attractive and comfortable habitat for birds of all species is to start with the landscape. A lush, organic, and diverse landscape can attract a wide variety of birds and keep them returning season after season.

Blooming plants, berry-producing plants and shading plants are great ways to start, says Watts.

“Blooming plants are often very beautiful, and they will attract equally beautiful pollinators, such as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Berry-producing plants will bring lovely songbirds. And of course, any plant that provides cover will be attractive to all sorts of birds looking for protection from predators or for roosting in the nesting season.”

The key, says Watts, is to provide native plants rather than foreign species.

“Many of the plants you’ll find at stores are foreign or exotic,” Watts said. “Those may be eye-catching, but they don’t often serve the local habitat, which is what you are trying to achieve.”

Of course, the best way to attract any species of bird to your yard is by offering food. Watt’s says feeders can do a lot of work in that regard, but she cautions against underestimating plants.

“Feeders are great, and you can find attractive ones that complement the landscape of your yard, but some people forget that there is beautiful vegetation that produces nuts, berries, fruits, seeds and nectar, and those are great, natural ways of bringing birds to your yard.

Water is equally important, and Watts recommends any serious birdscaper find a birdbath that works for their yard.

“Birds have a high metabolic rate, and their respiratory systems drain moisture from their bodies quickly, so they are always on the lookout for water sources,” Watts said. “And they use water for more than just drinking; they will also bath and preen their feathers in a bath, which is essential for their health and ability to fly.”

The value of plant-rich yards extends well beyond the joy of bringing birds to your home. Native plants are an essential component of the local ecosystem, and they are vital to the health of every local species of bird.

“We’ve taken over the vast majority of previously inhabitable territory for wildlife,” Watts said. “In some communities, there aren’t many other spaces where birds can find the native foods and protection they need to survive.”

Homeowners who want to go a step further in protecting local birds may offer nesting boxes, some of which are designed specifically for certain species of birds.

“There are a number of bird-specific nesting boxes available, and a range of different styles to fit your yard,” Watts said. “You can even make your own, just make sure it is ventilated, easily cleaned, durable, mountable and the right size and shape to attract the birds you want.”

Even if you don’t have the space or budget to fill your lawn with baths, feeders and nesting boxes, Watts says you can create a safe and attractive space for birds by allowing a little bit of the chaos of nature to take over.

“That traditional lawn, with low-cut grass and carefully segmented gardens is not the ideal habitat for birds,” Watts says. “Unfortunately, that’s the norm for most homes, and it’s taken over much of the natural habitat for birds. By creating a diverse, lush landscape in your yard, you’re giving some space back to nature and helping birds survive.”

With more than 300 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores. Recently ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 in the Retail category on Franchise Business Review’s prestigious 2018 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, there's no better time to join the Wild Birds Unlimited team. Click here to learn more.