6 steps to turn your yard into a sanctuary for birds

Don't expect flocks of songbirds in your backyard unless you give them something worth visiting. Here are a few suggestions for making your yard into a sanctuary for birds.

1. Put out the welcome mat. Landscape with native plants that provide natural food sources, shelter from the elements and predators, and proper nesting sites. Providing feeders, nest boxes and water benefit birds.

2. Prepare the proper menu. Providing the appropriate food year-round will attract more birds to your backyard and help ensure they have a safe and nutritious diet. Refill feeders regularly with the types of food you'd like to see in your backyard.

3. Keep feed and feeders clean. To help reduce the possibility of disease transmission in birds, clean feeders and feeding areas once a month. Keep seed and food dry; discard food that smells musty, is wet or looks moldy. Be sure to wash your hands after filling or cleaning feeders.

4. Birds and chemicals don't mix. Many pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are toxic to birds. Avoid using them where birds feed, bathe, nest or rest.

5. Keep cats indoors and away from birds. Cats live longer if they are kept indoors, and they won't kill birds. Install feeders in areas not readily accessible to stray cats. Install barriers to keep strays away from feeding areas. Collar bells, de-clawing and well-fed will not solve the problem. Cats have an inborn desire to attack and kill birds.

6. Reduce collisions with windows. Some windows reflect the sky or vegetation, and birds don't realize that they can't fly through them. Attach decorative decals on the outer surfaces of the glass to reduce window reflections. These are available at The Bird House. Consider moving feeders to within 3 feet of a window so birds cannot accelerate to injury-level speeds while flying away. You'll also benefit by being better able to watch birds!