Make shallow water readily available in the form of a hanging or standing birdbath. Plant shrubs and grasses that offer berries or seeds. Plant tubular flowers that produce nectar, such as trumpet vine, morning glory and honeysuckle. Blue and red flowers are especially popular with winged creatures, so include salvias, cleome, nasturtiums and geraniums as well. Plant trees for food and shelter.
Oaks produce acorns for food, and conifers are especially good for nesting sites.
Use plants that are native to your area because they are most likely to lure indigenous wildlife. Also use varieties that bloom at different times of the year so there are always some food options. Although a solid cement floor is one option for the floor of the aviary, McMurray chooses a less expensive, less troublesome design. On top of the screen already installed at ground level, he pours a layer of sand, then a layer of decorative gravel and levels it all with a garden rake. Next he installs small tree branches in the aviary for the captive birds to perch on, first sanding and spraying the limbs with water to remove pesticides or diseases left by wild birds.