The food source for birds should be supplied, as much as possible by the trees and shrubs in your yard. Pay attention the fruiting season, and try to select plants that will ensure an available food supply year round. Also, try to use native plants - the use of native trees and shrubs will help ensure that appropriate food sources are available. Birds require a place of cover or shelter if they are going to become long term residents. They need protection from sun, heat, wind rain and predators.
Most birds prefer multi-stem plants that form a dense canopy.
Dense canopies not only provide protection from the elements, but they also provide an ideal environment for nesting. Since birds require shelter year-round, a habitat with mixture of both deciduous and evergreen trees will usually attract the most birds. Finally, a source of fresh water will be needed. Running water, such as a shallow fountain is ideal. To minimize predation by cats and other animals it helps to elevate the water source, and locate it in the middle of an open area.