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Creating a habitat for birds can be a fun and rewarding hobby. To attract and keep birds coming to the new environment you've created, there are a few simple things you need to do.

Hang a variety of birdhouses for different types of birds. Many birds will come back year after year to roost in the same house. Do some research to find out what types of birds you want to attract, where and what kind of houses they like.

You will also want a variety of bird feeders and food. This is key...if you want to keep the birds around you must provide food and shelter for them year round. If you forget to feed for a while them or stop feeding them all winter, they will go elsewhere.

Birds also love a good bath and a drink. A birdbath is a great item to have in your yard for the birds. They can cool off in the summer heat, take a bath, etc. I find a shady place for a birdbath to be the best. In the summer it won't dry out as fast or grow algae. Make sure you put fresh water in regularly to keep away mosquitoes. They also need a water source in the winter. A Bird Bath Heater is a great way to provide a water source during the frigid winter months.

Birds are super fun to watch. Each species of bird seems to have their own personality, song and dance routine. It is like a guessing game to find the bird and match it up to the song. Get a pair of binoculars and keep them handy. A close up view of the birds will give a whole new perspective of their beauty. A book about birds of your region will also help you identify new birds and learn about their habits and environmental needs.

I'm no expert on birds by any stretch of the imagination, however, I know I love to watch the pair of House Finches come back to the same bird house each season. This bird house has been hanging in the same spot on my front porch since the previous owners lived here. In the early spring they have to fight off other birds to keep their home. It is an amazing sight. My family all love to watch the birds come to the window feeder. They are so up close, it is the only time my 3 small children stay still and quiet.

Providing a good habitat for birds can also be just having good natural shelter. Trees and shrubs can provide natural shelter, shade and protection. Shrubs that have berries in the fall and winter, like Viburnum, Oregon Grape Holly, and Pyracantha provide food for the birds into the winter. Sunflowers are a great summer treat for the birds.

Be patient when creating a new habitat for the birds. It takes a little time for the birds to discover a new environment. Once they do, you will be surprised and pleased at the variety of beauty now in your yard.