Joining millions of bird lovers in creating a backyard aviary can be easy and rewarding with a little help choosing and maintaining your wild bird feeders. Begin by imagining your backyard as a birdwatching paradise and picture the desired sights and sounds that will become your goal.

Start by considering the types of birds that you wish to attract, and the ones you do not want to see. If you’re a beginner, asking neighbors or co-workers which types of birds frequent their backyards might prove useful. Understanding that your target is to attract finches or cardinals, for example, will assist you in selecting the optimal wild bird feeders and creating the right birdwatching environment.Wild bird feeders come in several structural types including tube, thistle, wood, platform, suet and ground varieties. Highly desirable species, such as the hummingbird, even have special types of feeders that have been crafted for them. Knowledge of the pros and cons of each type will bolster success and increase desired results.Once you have chosen the right feeders, make sure to fill them with your desired birds’ food preferences. To attract the most varieties of birds, black oil sunflower seeds are a great choice. Seasonal fruits or nuts may attract less common types of birds, especially in summer. Specific types of birds, like woodpeckers, enjoy peanuts.To curb shelling out too much on bird food, consider selecting squirrel-proof wild bird feeders or positioning your feeders away from squirrel-friendly landscaping so they have difficulty climbing or jumping up to reach the seeds. You may even consider purchasing types of seeds that squirrels aren’t very interested in, such as thistle seed.If you’re like most birdwatchers, your desire is to attract a variety of species. Offering an array of feeders rather than one type is a way to enjoy regular backyard visits from a number of birds even throughout the seasonal changes.If you’ve got one particular hot spot, you may want to set up a bird feeding station with many feeders in the same area. Depending on your yard and its position relative to the sun and shade, you may consider varying the locations of your wild bird feeders, scattering them around your house so that you can enjoy viewing your feathered friends from several windows.When you’re finished setting up, make sure to take some quiet time to enjoy the results of your original vision. Study up, though-you’ll want to be ready to identify that unusual backyard visitor your hard work attracted!