Some simple steps can be taken immediately to encourage wildlife into your yard and to determine if this is the hobby for you. Adding bird feeders is one of the simplest things a homeowner or apartment dweller can do to attract birds. Numerous types of feeders are available. Some are designed to hold a variety of birdseed that most birds like, while others are adapted for specific seeds favored by certain species. If you are unsure of what birds are common visitors in your area, start with a simple feeder and see what shows up for dinner.
Some feeders hold suet, or animal fat, that is appealing to many woodpecker species.
Still other feeders are designed to hold fruits that may be the desired food of certain birds in your community. Feeders vary not only in what they hold, but also in how they are mounted. Some feeders fit in your window sill, providing a close up view of your visitors. Other feeders can be hung from poles stuck in the ground or from brackets attached to your house. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your deck or porch, you may want to place feeders away from your home so the droppings from both the birds and the seeds will fall in your yard.