Millions of wildlife lovers are lured by the beauty of birds, and many wonder how to choose the correct wild bird feeders and begin setting up their backyard aviaries. To maximize your birdwatching opportunities, the key to start is to envision what you really want to see and hear in your own backyard.

Develop an understanding of the types of birds you want to attract (and the ones you don’t want). If you’re a complete novice, you may want to ask neighbors and friends which types of birds they’ve managed to attract. Knowing you want to attract cardinals or finches, for example, will help you in choosing the right wild bird feeders, food and locations.

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.

Making sure to fill the feeders with the right food the next step after choosing the right feeders. If your goal is to invite and enjoy a wide range of birds, you are likely to choose black oil sunflower seeds. Additionally, consider piling on fruits or nuts in summer to attract those less common migratory visitors. And if there’s a special bird you want to see, such as woodpeckers, be sure to read up on their food of choice: peanuts.

Unless your intention is to spend a fortune on bird food, make sure your wild bird feeders are squirrel (and other animal) proof. Purchasing a squirrel-resistant one or placing your feeders away from landscaping that makes it easy for squirrels to climb or jump up are two ways to keep the fuzzy creatures away from the seed. And as far as food is concerned, thistle seed is recommended by some: apparently squirrels don’t like it very much.

The desire to welcome myriad birds to your backyard is common, and selecting a variety of feeder types may prove the key to your success. As summer turns to winter, your backyard paradise remains a year-round feeding ground, accommodating different species amidst the changing climate.

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!

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