Provide fresh water (birdbath or shallow dish) and clean it regularly
Use native plants for food and shelter
Plant a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that bloom/fruit at different times
Include grasses and seed-producing plants for year-round foraging
Offer bird feeders appropriate to local species (platform, hopper, suet, tube, or nyjer)
Use fresh, high-quality seed and replace it when it gets wet or moldy
Place feeders in sheltered areas near cover (trees/shrubs)
Keep feeders clean to reduce disease risk
Provide nesting materials (natural fibers, small twigs, grasses) where appropriate
Install birdhouses with correct entrance hole sizes for local species
Avoid pesticides and herbicides in areas where birds forage
Reduce window collisions with window decals, screens, or appropriate placement/coverage
Keep cats indoors and use deterrents to reduce predation near feeders
Maintain a consistent feeding schedule during cold or nesting seasons
Provide a mix of food types (seeds, suet, nectar, insects) based on local birds
Offer nectar using proper nectar feeders and clean them frequently
Attract insects by planting for pollinators and avoiding chemical sprays
Keep the yard tidy enough to prevent hazards while leaving some natural cover
Consider roosting options like dense shrubs or small trees for nighttime shelter
Monitor and adjust based on which species visit and what they eat