A simple plan of full and safe bird feeders is one way to encourage them. Of course, the squirrels are voracious eaters too, so a little bit of easily accessible, cracked corn for them will help keep your little invaders happy. Multiple feeders are suggested to keep one bird or type of bird to monopolize the feeder, driving others away.

Purchasing quality bird seed is expensive, but there are alternatives. Dried or fresh fruit and baked goods such as bagels, pizza bread and hard rolls are eaten by many birds. Oranges, bananas, and watermelon slices are among the most frequently recommended offerings. Break it into small pieces as bird beaks and gullets cannot handle large chunks.

Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamins and are a favorite of many birds. White proso millet is a favorite for small birds and is quite nutritious. Niger Thistle seeds are expensive but can also be fed. Hulled sunflower seeds will attract finches and is much cheaper than thistle seed. Cracked corn can be used for birds and attracts cardinals, doves and sparrows.

Hummingbirds are the best known of the sugar water consumers. Mix one part sugar water with four parts of boiling water to make a nectar substitute. Cool the mixture and refrigerate the unused portion. Discard the excess after one week. Although hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, it is not necessary add food coloring to this mix. Hummingbird feeders have enough red to catch the attention of passing hummers. One exception: if your feeder is some distance from the house, tinting the water slightly will make it easier to check the level of fluid remaining in the feeder. DO NOT USE HONEY OR ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS TO MAKE SUGAR WATER SOLUTIONS. Clean feeders and replace sugar solutions frequently, at least every 2-3 days during the summer.

Keeping a fresh water supply available is very beneficial. During winter months, water can be difficult to locate and birds need a source.

Place your feeders close (5-10 feet) to a bush, shrub or tree. Feeders kept in the open are less likely to be used as birds are easy pray for hawks, cats and other predators. Moldy or sprouting bird seed can be a host to deadly bird diseases. Keep your stations and feeders clean, dumping out old seed, washing them out regularly at your outside faucet. Make sure they are completely dry before adding fresh seed. Occasionally you should wash them with a mild detergent and hot water. Most feeders come apart for easy cleaning.

Of course, providing food by growing plants that attract birds is another great inexpensive way to bring birds into your area. Many decorative trees and shrubs furnish fruits and berries for birds. Holly, hawthorn and persimmon are favorites of cedar waxwings. They will arrive in large flocks in winter and stay as long as the food supply lasts.