Attracting, Feeding, and Housing Birds

Backyard bird feeding is a pastime that children and adults can enjoy. While bird watchers seek out birds by species, bird feeders attempt to attract birds to suburban and domestic locations. This requires setting up a feeding station and supplying an adequate source of food for birds. To begin bird feeding, you need to know the birds that are local to an area and select an appropriate food.

The Division of Migratory Bird Management , within the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) , provides pamphlets on attracting wild birds to various feeders and foods, building and maintaining birdhouses, and dealing with bird problems such as invasive species or injured birds. To view the various bird pamphlets , please visit the FWS's website.

Please note: The FWS pamphlets are available online only.

You may also wish to view the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) publication on Backyard Conservation . This publication shows you how practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land can be adapted for use around your home. Conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality , inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is an event that takes place over four days in February each year. The GBBC aims to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent and in Hawaii. Anyone can participate , from beginning bird watchers to experts. The 2011 count will take place February 18 through 21.

Additional Resources:

• Report Sightings of Unusual/Abnormal Animals or Birds
• International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD)
• Bird Bands
• Concerns about Dead Birds
• Avian Flu (Bird Flu)
• North American Waterfowl Management Plan