Attracting Backyard Visitors

It's easy to attract birds to your yard, especially in winter. But there are some tricks:

Feeders. Different feeders attract different birds. A ground feeder attracts blue jays and doves. A tabletop feeder attracts sparrows and finches, as does a tube feeder, which also attracts cardinals and chickadees. And tree-trunk feeders lure woodpeckers. For the birds' safety, place your feeders out of the reach of any cats.

Food. Black oil sunflower seeds will attract a wide variety of birds. Suet--a hard, white dry fat (available in supermarkets and pet-supply stores)--is tasty to woodpeckers and black birds. Nuts--peanuts, pecans, and walnuts--are a special treat for your feathered guests. Crack open the shells and chop up the insides before putting them in your feeder. Better yet, smear a few tablespoons of peanut butter on a pinecone, roll it in seeds, and hang it up for the birds to enjoy.

Water. When temperatures fall below freezing, birds (and squirrels) have a hard time finding water. A shallow pan of water available for at least part of the day is helpful. And you'll get the amusement of watching the birds bathe. You can also buy a birdbath heater, so the water will never freeze.

Once birds learn to depend on you for food and water, it's important to keep providing for them. And in return, you'll be rewarded with the antics, songs, and colors of visiting guests in your yard all year long.