Book Review: Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Reviewed by Brett Kerley

Roth, Sally Attracting Birds to Your Backyard. Rodale Press, 2003 ISBN: 978-0875968926

Sally Roth’s Attracting Birds to Your Backyard is an insightful, engaging, and practical guide for bird enthusiasts who want to turn their outdoor space into a thriving bird sanctuary. The book  provides step-by-step instructions on how to attract a variety of bird species and offers a deeper understanding of bird behavior, diet, and seasonal migration patterns.

The book is structured in a way that makes it accessible to both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers. Roth organizes it around the fundamental needs of birds—food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. She incorporates personal experiences and research to bring the content to life and doesn’t just give out generic advice. Instead, she walks readers through the process of transforming their yards into bird-friendly habitats, emphasizing the importance of observation and adaptation. One of the book’s key strengths is how it helps readers recognize different bird species, understand their preferences, and adjust their gardens accordingly.

Birds Have Unique Preferences
Roth explains that different bird species are attracted to different types of food, plants, and nesting areas. For example, goldfinches love thistle seed, while blue jays prefer peanuts. Hummingbirds, of course, seek out nectar-rich flowers; she gives tips for keeping them around by planting specific flowers, rather than relying solely on artificial feeders.

Importance of Native Plants
One of the most compelling arguments Roth makes is for using native plants. She stresses that native trees, shrubs, and flowers naturally support local bird populations far better than exotic or ornamental species. For instance, oak trees support hundreds of caterpillar species, which in turn provide food for nesting birds. By planting the right vegetation, homeowners provide year-round food sources and shelter for a wide variety of birds. This book is from the US so planting zones tend to be slightly different, as are certain birds that live in the Edmonton area.

Water is a Game-Changer
Roth makes a strong case for providing a reliable water source. She details the benefits of birdbaths, misters, and small ponds, explaining how birds are more likely to visit and stay in a yard that offers fresh, clean water, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Creating Safe and Inviting Habitats
Roth shows how to create a landscape that provides birds with protection from predators and harsh weather. She discusses planting dense shrubs, installing birdhouses, and how to position feeders and baths to prevent attacks from outdoor cats and other predators.

Seasonal Birdwatching & Adjustments
One of the of the unique aspects of the book is its focus on how bird activity changes throughout the seasons. Roth provides specific recommendations for each season: what to plant in spring, maintaining feeders in summer, preparing for fall migration, and providing winter shelter. She also explains how to make adjustments based on the birds that are common in your region.

Roth’s writing is friendly, conversational, and easy to understand, even for those who are new to birdwatching or gardening. She sprinkles in personal anecdotes and humor, making the book enjoyable rather than just informational. Instead of feeling like a dry reference manual, Attracting Birds to Your Backyard reads like a knowledgeable friend giving advice.

The book is well-organized, with helpful charts, illustrations, and sidebars that make it easy to find specific information. From a list of plants to attract a certain bird species or tips for dealing with common backyard birding problems, the layout helps readers find what they need.

This book is perfect for:

• Gardeners who want to create a more bird-friendly environment
• Homeowners looking to attract a variety of birds
• Birdwatchers who want to understand birds beyond just identifying them
• Anyone interested in conservation and creating a balanced backyard ecosystem

Even if you have limited outdoor space—such as a small garden or a balcony—Roth offers creative ideas for attracting birds in urban and suburban settings.

Sally Roth’s Attracting Birds to Your Backyard is a fantastic resource for anyone who loves birds and wants to enjoy their presence year-round. It’s packed with useful, actionable advice that is easy to implement, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher.

Her enthusiasm for birds is contagious, and her guidance is both practical and inspiring. By following her recommendations, readers can create a backyard oasis that not only attracts birds but also contributes to the health of local wildlife and the environment.