While it may be difficult to name our favorite aspects of the outdoors, it is clear that we are captivated by living color, because flowers and birds are the top two in this country. Although birds come in second to gardening, our number one pastime, they’re behind by only a nose – or, uh, beak, I should say. While some people are avid bird-watchers who go trekking through fields and forests to look for different species, others like to sit back and let the birds come to them. That’s the reason why birdfeeders are among the most popular outdoor décor items.

By feeding them, you can attract dozens of colorful, tuneful birds to your backyard for your viewing enjoyment. There’s nothing as delightful and satisfying as identifying new birds, or as amusing as watching their playful antics. One of the best things about it is that you can see the show during warm weather, as you relax in your favorite outdoor chair, and in the winter, when you can enjoy their larking about from the warmth of your home.

The best way to feed birds is by using bird feeders designed specifically for the purpose, rather than simply scattering bread or bird seeds on the ground. You can mount bird feeders on poles, hang them by chains, or even secure them on boards outside a window to enjoy birds up close.

Different birds like various types of feed, such as suet, seeds, grains, nuts, and dried fruit. Choose a specific kind to attract only certain birds to your yard, or have a few types of feed in separate stations to draw greater varieties.

Put your bird feeder where it will provide birds with nearby shelter against wind, rain, snow, cold, and predators. The best kinds of cover are shrubs and vines, especially native plants that retain their fruit in the winter. Place the feeders five to twelve feet from the shrubbery, so that the birds can take quick and easy refuge.

Water is another essential complement for bird feeding stations. Not only do the birds require it as much as they do food, but water will also attract a greater number of birds. This is especially true in the summer, when food is readily available in the wild and they don’t visit the feeding stations as often. The best part is that you won’t have to construct anything fancy to please the birds. They like shallow, moving water, so all that you have to do is to hang an old bucket with a drip hole over a used one-inch baking pan, with gravel on the bottom, near the bird feeder.

CedarStore.com has over a dozen beautiful bird feeders and houses, in several designs and sizes. You can choose from pole-mounted varieties, some of which have planter bases, or hanging bird feeders with heavy-duty brass chains. Constructed from decay-resistant red cedar and treated pine, they’re designed to give you – and the birds – years of enjoyment.

CedarStore.com also has one of the largest assortments of porch, patio, and garden furniture available. To contact a design consultant or a customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.