The birds tell us when the grapes and blueberries are sweet enough to pick. They nibble at our apples and plums. Birds are seen continuously in our vegetable garden, yet do not eat the vegetables. Our organic soil is full of worms so they are eating the earthworms all day. Luckily there are enough worms to keep our soil well aerated too.
Fresh water is needed in addition to food and shelter for the birds.
It is imperative to have a bird bath or some place where birds can get a drink year around if possible. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a pair of song birds frolicking around in a bird bath. Quite a variety of birds will be attracted to native plantings. As they grow, more birds will be attracted to your garden. Plant life is able to sustain many birds all year without supplemental feeding.