Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2026 April)
Birdwatching is a popular pastime among people of all ages. If you prefer to watch birds from the comfort of home rather than searching them out, there are ways to attract them to your yard. The basic principles of creating a habitat to attract birds are simple – you must provide food, water, cover, and places for them to raise their young. These principles apply, no matter what size your yard is.
Plant Native Food Sources
To attract birds to your yard, you should plant a variety of native plants. Some native trees and shrubs that provide fruit and berries include serviceberry, redbud, dogwood, viburnum, elderberry, and spicebush. Some native perennials and annuals with seeds that birds like to eat include sunflowers, coneflowers, asters, and tickseed. Remember not to deadhead your flowers so that birds can continue to eat the seeds long after the flowers have bloomed.
Help Insects Flourish in Your Yard
A bird’s diet includes more than just nuts and berries. It also includes insects, which are a good source of protein. Dead trees are home to large insect populations so, if they aren’t hazardous or violate local ordinances, you should leave dead trees standing instead of removing them. The same is true for logs and piles of brush. You can also bring insects like butterflies, moths, flies, and beetles to your yard by planting natives like milkweed and goldenrod, which are the favorite food of many insects.
Install Bird Feeders and Birdbaths in Your Yard
Bird feeders are a great way to encourage birds to visit your yard. You should hang your feeder six feet above ground and several feet away from windows to prevent birds from flying into them. You should also place your feeder near shrubs (about 15 feet) so birds can escape predators (like hawks), but not close enough for predators (like cats) to hide and pounce. Black oiled sunflower seeds are favorites for many species of birds. Keep your feeder filled to ensure that birds return and clean it regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Providing a water source is another way to attract birds to your yard. You can use a raised birdbath or create an artificial pond using a ground container. Birdbaths shouldn’t be more than three inches deep, and the rim should have a rough surface for easy footing. When choosing a birdbath, choose one made from a material that won’t crack when frozen. Like bird feeders, birdbaths should be placed near, but not too close to shrubs for an easy escape. Locating it in a shady spot is also recommended. Keep your birdbath clean and remember to replenish it with fresh water every two to three days.
Create Habitat for Cover and Raising Young
To attract birds to your yard, you need to create a habitat that mimics what you find in nature. Birds choose places with layers of trees and shrubs that provide shelter. They also seek out dense areas that provide seclusion for perching and nesting. In addition to providing insects for food, dead trees, logs, and brush piles are good places for birds to shelter and nest.
Another way to encourage birds to move into your yard is by installing a nesting box. Species that use nesting boxes include eastern bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, purple martins, tree swallows, downy woodpeckers, northern flickers, and wrens. Make sure your box allows for ventilation and drainage. The entry hole should conform to the size of the birds you want to attract. Remember not to attach perches to the nesting boxes since they will attract predators. Finally, be sure to clean the nesting box after the fledglings have left the nest in preparation for the next clutch.
- Additional information about attracting birds to your yard can be found at: Fairfax Master Gardeners: fairfaxgardening.org
- National Wildlife Federation: nwf.org
- Virginia Cooperative Extension - Creating Inviting Habitats for Birds, Butterflies & Hummingbirds: fairfaxgardening.org/wp-content/webdocs/ref/CreatingInvitingHabitats-VA.pdf
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).