Birdwatching from your own backyard is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you're just getting started or already have a feeder out, there are so many fun and creative ways to invite more feathered friends into your yard.
Here are 10 easy and enjoyable ways to make your backyard a bird magnet—plus a few helpful product links to get you started (affiliate links may help support our site at no extra cost to you).
1. Offer a Variety of Bird Feeders
Birds come in all shapes and sizes—and so should your feeders! Tube feeders, platform feeders, and suet cages each attract different types of birds.
🛒 Droll Yankees Hanging Tube Feeder:

🛒 Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder:

2. Add a Bird Bath for Drinking and Bathing
Birds need fresh water, especially during hot summers and icy winters. A bird bath can turn your backyard into a pit stop for everything from robins to warblers.
🛒 Heated Bird Bath (for winter):

🛒 Vintage Metal Bird Bath:

3. Use Bird-Safe Native Plants
Planting native shrubs, wildflowers, and berry-producing plants gives birds a natural food source and shelter. It’s also great for the environment!
🛒 Bird-Friendly Seed Mix:
4. Provide Nesting Materials
In spring, birds search for materials to build their nests. Offer things like cotton, twine, or even pet fur in a suet cage or nesting ball.
🛒 Pre-filled Nesting Ball:

5. Install a Birdhouse or Nesting Box
Encourage birds to stick around by giving them a place to raise their young. Different birds like different houses, so choose accordingly.
🛒 Cedar Bluebird House:

🛒 Wren or Chickadee House:

6. Offer Different Types of Bird Seed
Don’t just toss out random seed—use specific types to attract your favorites. Black-oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seed, and safflower are all winners.
🛒 Black Oil Sunflower Seed:

🛒 Nyjer Seed for Finches:

7. Create a Quiet, Safe Space
Birds like peaceful areas with cover nearby. Use bushes, small trees, or trellises to give them somewhere to rest and hide.
🛒 Backyard Privacy Trellis Panels:

8. Add a Squirrel Baffle or Guard
Squirrels can scare off birds and steal all the food. A simple baffle can make your feeder a squirrel-free zone.
🛒 Wrap-Around Squirrel Baffle:

9. Hang a Suet Feeder (Especially in Winter)
Suet is high in fat and protein—perfect for birds during colder months. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and more will love you for it.
🛒 Suet Cakes:

🛒 Suet Cage with Tail Prop:

10. Install a Camera to Watch the Birds
Make it more interactive and fun—especially for kids! A bird cam lets you enjoy close-up views of your visitors.
🛒 Bird Buddy - Smart Birdfeeder:

🛒 Budget Outdoor Cam Option:

Final Thoughts
Bird feeding is about more than just putting out seed—it's about creating a space where birds feel welcome, safe, and well-fed. By adding just a few of these fun touches to your yard, you’ll be rewarded with daily visits from a variety of beautiful birds.
Got a favorite tip or question? Leave a comment or reach out—we love hearing from fellow bird lovers! 🐦