Bird Feeders can be as simple as a tray with seed in it, or very fancy with seating for a dozen or more birds. Your choice of bird feeder is almost as important as your choice of bird food when it comes to what birds you'll attract to your yard; and the bird feeder you need depends to a great extent on the kind of food that you're going to be using. Many homeowners use loose seed. Birdseed comes in many varieties from mixed preparations of different seeds, to specific seeds, like thistle, chosen to attract a particular species of bird. In general, though, many birding authorities recommend a seed mix which includes black oil sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a very good "all-round" birdseed due to its high nutritional and fat content. One advantage of loose birdseed is that it flows easily, therefore it is perfect for low-maintenance tube feeders. In general, seed bird feeders fall into three categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders. Speciality bird feeders include Hummingbird and Oriole Nectar Feeders and Suet Feeders.

A surefire way to attract birds to your yard is to provide clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing. A birdbath is one of the easiest ways to bring birds up close, where everyone can get a really good look at them. You can attract more species of birds with water than with a feeder. Bird feeders usually cater to seed-eaters, such as cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows. Birds that eat insects or fruit, such as wrens, catbirds, and waxwings, usually don't find anything at the feeder to interest them. But a birdbath attracts all kinds of birds. Like bluebirds, robins, catbirds, cedar waxwings, warblers and thrushes.

The sight of moving water is pure invitation to birds. It greatly increases the number of species that visit a birdbath. With modern fountain birdbaths powered by solar energy there is no need to run electrical wiring. You can have a birdbath with moving water located anywhere the sun shines. Your birdbath can be the centerpiece of the summer garden. Be sure to place it near a window where the activities can be seen and enjoyed by everyone in the house.