How to Attract Birds and Butterflies to Your Backyard
Food, water, and shelter—that’s all butterflies and birds need to consider your backyard a home. And the great thing is that what attracts them will beautify your yard as well!
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You Will Need
- Gardening books, magazines, and websites for research
- Seed- and berry-producing plants and trees that are native to your area
- Birdbath
- Birdhouse
- Bird feeder
Steps
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Step 1
Hang a birdhouse
Hang a birdhouse in a sheltered area.
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Step 2
Hang a birdfeeder
Hang a birdfeeder and begin feeding birds in the fall.
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Fill your birdfeeder with different types of seeds, and you’ll notice different types of feathered friends flocking to it.
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Step 3
Fill a birdbath
Fill a shallow birdbath with a couple of inches of water.
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If you live in cold northern climes, a plug-in heated birdbath is a great comfort to winter birds.
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Step 4
Keep cats away
Keep your kitty out of the garden! Cats and wild birds don’t mix.
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Butterflies’ sense of taste is in their feet.
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Step 5
Research
Research plants and trees that are native to your area. Some may already be growing on your property.
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Step 6
Plant for birds
To attract birds, plant native plants and trees that produce berries and seeds, such as mulberry, sumac, and evergreen.
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Step 7
Plant for butterflies
To attract butterflies, plant native plants that produce nectar, such as butterfly weed, milkweed, and asters.
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Avoid using pesticides, which can drive birds and butterflies away.
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Step 8
Set out rocks
Place large, flat rocks in sunny spots. Butterflies are cold-blooded and will come to these to warm up.
