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Know the birds that may be attracted to your geographical location.
As an example, in Northeast Ohio you may end up finding bluebirds, bluejays, robins, cardinals, hummingbirds, black birds, crows and woodpeckers as well as the gamier types such as turkeys, pheasants, grouse, blue herrings, geese and ducks. In other areas you may find these creatures very uncomfortable while other birds may be right at home in your neighborhood.
To know specifically which birds are at home in your neck of the woods, keep up with community pages and local interest stories in the newspaper that may mention native birds coming your way for the summer or winter. The local weatherman may occasionally or at least seasonally mention native wildlife as affected by change of weather which will certainly include your bird friends. The local library will have books on birds native to your state or part of the country as will book stores. Taking pictures of birds in and around your neighborhood as a hobby will give you a sampling from which to ID them as well.
Know the environments and foods most pleasing to each type of bird individually.
All birds need water. A bird bath and water dispensers of various sizes and constructions should help please all the bird families, though only a pond will please some completely, such as ducks and geese. Appropriate foods will likely be described in the better books on birds or by your local feed store. We will also mention some here. Corn is a good crowd pleaser. You can get large sacks of low grade corn for placing on the ground, or on the point of a nail stuck in a tree or the end of a stick poked in the ground when using corn that is still on the cob.
Seed of various types is an obvious answer though you will want to be sure you have your native creature’s favorites foremost. Sunflower seeds are a popular item. Check with the department stores in your area in their outdoor sections. A local farm supply if you have one is also an ideal place to find proper feed and a handy expert who will enjoy teaching you the proper menus. Make a careful list of the types of birds you want to attract and then narrow it according to which types you can afford to attract as well.
Know your current environment in order to know where it needs changing.
There is also such a thing as keeping out that which will keep the birds away. Neighborhood pets or packs of dogs can scare away birds you want to frequent your back or front yard. Have neighbors keep pets inside, caged or on leashes and report wild predators to the dog warden or game control or to the police. Some birds themselves may not get along well with others. Some types may not be appropriate to attract if you have small children and some you may not want in any case. Know the habits and natures of these winged animals before you shape your environment with them. You have to be comfortable having them around too.
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