Adding bird feeders around the garden is a great way to give birds the initial invitation. Selecting plants that provide berries, seeds, and nuts during different seasons can encourage them to be year-round visitors. Crabapples, viburnums and cotoneasters are great berry-bearing plants. The Asteraceae family of perennials, including coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and globe thistle, also provides tasty treats for birds that enjoy seeds. Remember that insects are food too - refrain from using insecticides and let the bird population do the work for you.

Water can easily be added to the garden with a pond or birdbath. During Wisconsin winters, heated birdbaths are a great option for a year-round water source.

Evergreens are great plants to provide sheltered nesting and roosting sites. Leave a brush pile over the winter to provide additional shelter from local predators.

By providing a few key elements it's easy to transform the backyard into a fantastic habitat for birds.