Don't know if this is considered "gardening" but one thing to attract birds is to provide a home for them. Over the years I have come up with 2 recycled items that is guaranteed to get baby birds in my yard.
The 1st is making a nesting "jug" out of an empty gallon water jug. You can use a milk/juice jug but be sure to wash it VERY well with soap and water so there won't be any residue left to mold etc. You'll also need scissors, something for a perch if you so desire (small pencil, stick, I've used chop sticks) and wire or fishing line to secure it wherever you want it. This takes less than 2 mins to make and just a few to hang it.
**Step 1-- cut a hole about 1 1/2 inches in the side of the jug about 3 inches from the top--I usually cut just where it starts to curve down. This gives the babies a nice deep nest so they won't fall out. You can add the perch at this point....just make a small hole and work your piece into it like a perch!! I usually don't bother and it doesn't seem to bother the birds not having one...
**Step 2--find a place to hang your jug. I use the handle to run the wire/fishing line through and also put a wrap around the jug just under the hole to keep it from blowing in the wind. I put mine under the awning just outside my kitchen window. As I cook/wash dishes I can look out and see the Mom & Dad build the nest, feed the babies and watch them fly away. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T HANG IN DIRECT SUN!!!! These can act like little green houses and you'll cook your babies!!!
And you're done!!! These are used by the little wrens in the area. I've done this for years and have had babies very time....one over productive couple hatched out 3!!!! sets of chicks in one season!!!! In the fall I just take the old jug down and put up a new one.
The 2nd recycle is even easier.... take an old plastic flower pot (mine came from Walmart many seasons ago) and mount it under your awnings, rafters in your barn etc. This one you can even put in a tree..... I've had robins and morning doves use mine depending on who finds it first and almost always get nests every year. I just pull the old nesting stuff out in the fall and they rebuild in the spring.
I'll try to post some pictures this spring of these in use!
