Fall is a time when many people find themselves looking up at the sky to catch a glimpse of migrating birds flying south for the winter. It is also a time of year when gardeners contemplate how to attract more birds to their yard.

Bird-watching is a fascinating activity and worthwhile hobby for all ages. It is an excellent way to get kids involved and interested in the garden.

Bird-watching is educational, inexpensive and easy. Families may want to plan day trips to the zoo to learn more about birds. A family may even plan a vacation to an exotic location to discover a wider array of birds than the ones in their backyard. In fact, according to the Iowa State University extension office, “A government survey found that bird-watching is second only to gardening as the most popular leisure-time activity in the United States.”

So, how can a gardener attract more birds to the landscape?

Here’s a look at the four essentials:

Water

Water may be added to the garden space by a simple birdbath or any shallow dish that can hold 2 inches of water. The preferred spot is a shady area so water stays relatively cool. The container should be kept clean and the water replenished every few days. A birdbath should be in an area safe from predators. Keep the bath 2 or 3 feet off the ground and in an open area so birds can see predators such as cats. Water gardens can enhance an outdoor space and attract birds as well. Circulating water is ideal because it stays cleaner and does not freeze as easily during winter. Bird enthusiasts also can purchase water heaters for birdbaths.

Safety

While gardeners want to lure birds to the yard, they also need to consider how to keep a feathered friend and her young safe from predators. One way to help in a bird’s safety is to place bird feeders and houses in appropriate places. Birds often fly into windows, where they see their own reflection and the sky and trees and believe it to be a true landscape. A bird lover can practice a couple of precautions in an attempt to prevent injuries to birds. A feeder or birdhouse should be placed at least a foot away from a window. This will reduce the risk of accidents. Feeders need to be placed in an open space so predators cannot sneak up on birds and their young, yet have the feeders near some cover so birds don’t waste energy flying from a feeder to bushes. A cover 6 to 8 feet away is ideal for feeders. Keep feeders at varying heights and at least 5 feet off the ground. Try to have feeders and houses sheltered from the wind.

This four-level birdhouse is in North Lawrence. A birdhouse should be placed so entrance holes face away from winds.

Shelter

Setting a few well-placed birdhouses, used for shelter and nesting, may attract birds to the landscape. Look for something weather resistant, well-ventilated and placed so the entrance hole is facing away from winds. After each season, take down the birdhouses to clean. A bird will be more compelled to make shelter in a clean house at the beginning of the season than a dirty one. Natural shelters are evergreen trees and shrubs, where birds love to live. When discarding the old dried-up tree this holiday season, a bird enthusiast may consider leaving it somewhere in the yard. Birds love to make their homes in old piles of dead trees, limbs and leaves.

Food

According to the Iowa State University extension office, there are two main kinds of food for birds: preferred and persistent. Preferred are foods birds like the best. These foods may be provided by man in a feeder or by nature. Persistent foods are berries, fruits and nuts not eaten right away.

October is the time to start fall/winter feeding for birds. The birds are establishing “routes” that they will continue to keep and feed on until April or May, when nature will begin to bloom and provide much of the food they rely on. Providing suet this time of year will attract insect-eating birds, like nuthatches and woodpeckers.

Most birds enjoy seed. Be sure to purchase commercially bought brands carefully. Many brands will have milo (sorghum) and wheat, seeds not preferred by any birds. Birds are known to throw these seeds onto the ground in search of preferred seeds like sunflower seeds. Iowa State University’s extension office claims a good mix is 50 percent black (oil-type) sunflower seeds, 35 percent white proso millet and 15 percent cracked corn. The all-black sunflower is preferred over the black-striped sunflower. This seed attracts a wide variety of birds. White proso millet is a favorite of mourning doves, dark-eyed juncos and most sparrows. Cracked corn is essentially filler. Peanut kernels (not hearts) are also a favorite among birds.

Before becoming too overwhelmed, novice gardeners should establish which birds they want to attract. Incorporating native plants is a good starting point for a landscaping plan and should prove to be a great long-term investment. A gardener should draw out a map of the property to get a feel for the space. With that map, establish the sunny and shady areas and draw the plants to scale so that when they are fully grown they won’t be overcrowding a space. Find spots that will make good observation points for bird viewing. Lastly, use plants (see box) important for a bird habitat.

This birdhouse resembling a schoolhouse hangs in east Lawrence.