How to Build a Bird Habitat

Decide where your central location for viewing will be. While a front yard or backyard is more common for bird watching, you also can attract birds to a patio or windowsill if your primary sitting area is upstairs or you live in a condo or apartment. Place feeders on patio rails or window ledges, and hang housing from the roof or upper balcony overhangs to attract your wild avian friends.

Set out bird food. Your local species and the types of birds you wish to attract will determine the type of food you use. Most North American birds eat a basic mix of seeds that are easily obtained at any department store or pet shop. Hummingbirds require a special nectar that you can purchase or create by combining six parts of boiling water with 1 part sugar and then cooling the mixture to room temperature. Special feeders are necessary for hummingbird food, but all bird foods should be kept in an appropriate feeder to prevent predators from ambushing unsuspecting birds. Even with good feeders, the food is susceptible to pests and rodents, including squirrels. Feeders should be cleaned well to prevent unwanted pests. Squirrels can be difficult to repel but are almost as much fun to watch as the birds.

Set up a water source. The most common type of water source for backyard bird habitat is a fountain. Wild birds will play and drink from it. For balcony or windowsill habitats, water dishes can be attached to a rail or windowsill. The water source does not need to be large to be useful.

Provide a place for birds to nest. It is not necessary to provide housing for birds, but it will help keep them in the area if you do. Empty gourds make fantastic bird houses and are easy to make. There also are many commercial bird houses available. Be sure to place any housing well off the ground to keep predators away and use steel poles when placing houses on ground-based stations to prevent animals from climbing up to the house. Hanging bird houses from balconies or an arm attached to a window frame can bring bird housing to a second story or higher level.

Hang toys from various spots in your viewing area. Many wild birds enjoy playing with hanging toys that are typically made for pet birds.

Make sure all food, toys and housing are placed in a way to provide protection from predators, including cats. Drawing wild animals to an area with food can make them less aware of danger. Place feeders and nests at least 4 feet off the ground (the higher the better) on poles or hangers that are difficult to climb.

Place stickers on your windows to keep birds from flying into the glass. They can't see clear glass and can break windows or hurt themselves if they fly into your windows or glass doors. Avoid using chemicals on your plants and lawn in areas where you wish to attract birds. Herbicides and pesticides are harmful to birds that might forage on the ground for dropped seeds or insects or nest in bushes and trees in the area.