Spruce up your garden with Birdhouses

Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation
--the presence and movement of birds creates a fluid focal point
for your garden. As such, placement is critical for you to earn
maximum benefit from your birdhouses. Cavity nesting birds will
not be attracted to your garden without the appropriate
environment. Each bird has a particular way they want to live
and specific needs. 

 You'll have a better chance of
getting the feathered tenant of your choice if you do your
research. For example, if you want to host Eastern Bluebirds,
you'll need to place the birdhouse at approximately 5 feet high
and provide an entrance of 1 ½ inch in diameter. On the other
hand, The Northern Flicker is drawn by heights of up to 30 feet
and needs a southeast facing home. Wrens like their nests to be
located in shrubs, while Swallows desire close proximity to
bodies of water. Building a pond or enhancing an existing one
will make your garden more attractive to these particular birds.
You will also enjoy the added aesthetic. 

 In addition to
bird knowledge, you can attract most birds with a birdbath, carefully selected foliage, and plants
that bear fruit. However, keep these a distance from the
birdhouse so that the birds occupying it will not have to
compete to keep it. If you don't want to mount a pole in your
garden area, you can attach your birdhouse to a tree limb, tree
trunk, or fence post.

 Additional tips are as
follows:
  Situate the birdhouse entrance in such a
way as to avoid overheating it. Place the birdhouse out of
the way of predators like cats and coyotes. Allow for a
clear flight pattern to the entrance hole. Place the
appropriate nesting material near your birdhouse to make it easy
for birds to settle in. Keep bird food fresh. 
Birdhouses provide shelter for birds and also entertaining decor
for you and your guests. The birds' presence provides dramatic
beauty as the scenery changes each time you glance into your
garden.