My name is Michael but some refer to me as Birdman Blue.  I used to fly in Chinook helicopters in the Army and loved flying above everything like a bird, there was a sense of calm to it.  I love birdwatching, these small and sometimes large graceful winged creatures gather my fancy of flight as I watch them in my yards which I have groomed over many years to accommodate many variety of birds.  My goal with this guide is to give you an idea on how to prepare for your own bird sanctuary.

Birds require three elements for survival, shelter, food and water.  Each of these elements are easily provided in any environment, from a  small patio to a large expanse of land.  My yards are your normal sized yards for a residential home.  Years ago we had around three major trees and a few standard shrubs around the yard.  I knew then that my bird sanctuary would need more elements to attract the bird activity I desired.  First things first I provided a couple of small feeders to attract the birds to my yards.  A simple but effective element, and when the fall and winter comes they must be kept full so the birds will be seen each and every day.  I added trees and bushes to attract many nesting birds and to give plenty of perch areas and protection.  The next step for me was to add two small koi ponds, I know not everyone can do this, but even  a small fountain will attract the thirsty birds as I added some of these as well.  my next step was to add birdhouses, I started out with store bought houses that didn't last long and some of my feeders as well.  This is how I decided to build longer lasting products and now share them with the community.

Shelter is essential for all birds, most live in nests among the branches of trees, small bushes and some even nest on the ground where natural grass can camouflage their nests.  Then there are those that like to nest in cavities, like the Bluebirds, Wrens, Sparrows, Chickadees, some finches, Swallows and Woodpeckers to name a few.  I tell people if the house has a peg or perch on it, it is probably not a good house for the bird.  You must remember birds can cling to most natural surfaces with their strong talons.
I use a naturally rot resistant wood, mainly cedar, and secure them with screws.  I have found that the birds prefer this over most other types of birdhouses.  They also prefer simple functional houses, simply made.  I have seen some of the most elaborate houses that look good in a garden yard and are perfect decor but very rarely see a nest.  Think about your habitat, do you have the room to provide a house for a nesting pair of birds, even a small apartment balcony can house a pair of bluebirds.  So never feel as though you don't have the place to nest birds, I often have them nest in my Fuschia plants.

Food is probably the single most important element besides water.  Bird consume lots of calories in the course of a day while in flight and will spend most of their day feeding.  I use a variety of different seeds as different seeds will attract different birds.  I love the spring because it brings back the colorful finches and warblers, they love to feed from the niger thistle seed in socks throughout my yard.  I use nut and berry mixtures for birds like woodpeckers, cardinals, bluebirds, chickadees, and other fruit and nut loving birds.  Black oil sunflower seeds are also a great source of food for many of the colorful birds.  I also use safflower seed as it's bitterness keeps away some of the more aggressive and invasive birds that are not naturalized to this country but were brought over from Europe, mainly the Starlings and House Sparrow.  You want to discourage these types of birds as they are invasive and very territorial driving your more desirable birds away. This is why I don't use standard mixes of seed that are sold cheaply, you will bring about the trashy type of birds that will eat anything.  Fruit is another staple that can be provided by fruit trees or feeders that have small nails in them to hold the fruit.  Bluebirds love meal worms and so do most other birds, but this expensive product should be applied in a special feeder to get the maximum benefit from your feeding.  These are just a few examples of food, of course, feel free to experiment, you will never be disappointed.

Water is an element that is probably one of the easiest to provide.  Just remember that you must keep your water stations filled and place some form of non-toxic mosquito blocks in your water source, unless you have a source that can support small fish, you won't need it as the fish will be glad to eat any mosquito larvae that form.

Let this be your inspiration, whether you have a small apartment patio, or a great expanse of land, these simple principles are basic in all bird attracting.  You can complicate it or keep it simple, your the one to benefit from your work.  Don't worry the birds will reward you, that's for sure.

Take it from me Birdman Blue, because I know.

Sincerely, Blue