For many homeowners, it is delightful to see birds paying a visit to the backyard. Avid birdwatchers will regularly stock feeders with birdseed, have a guidebook to identify bird species, and always have a pair of binoculars handy by the window.

Keeping a feeder in the yard can easily attract flocks of hungry birds. But to make your property truly bird-friendly, you'll want to make a few changes to the landscaping as well.

Plants native to the area are familiar to local birds, while non-native plants may deter them. Melissa Mayntz, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says birds will recognize native plants as sources of food and shelter. Native plants will also make it easier to maintain the garden, since they will grow naturally in the region's climate.

The landscaping in your yard can serve a number of other purposes as well. Rene Ebersole, writing for the National Audubon Society, says birds will use trees and shrubs to perch, take shelter in inclement weather, and hide from predators.

Birds will be more wary of open areas such as manicured lawns, decks, and patios. Lauren Dunec Hoang, writing for the home design site Houzz, says tree canopies, twiggy shrubs, and small trees can all be helpful. If you have a sizeable lot, you may want to let the outskirts of your home's land stay in its naturally wild state to help attract birds.

Consult with a gardening center or landscaping expert for recommendations on the best plants to use, especially if you are trying to attract a specific type of bird. Mayntz says it is better to create thick clumps of dense vegetation than to spread small plots throughout the yard.

A diverse range of plants can be particularly helpful, since it can attract a wider range of birds. Mayntz says birds may feast on insects, nectar, or a mix of seeds, nuts, and berries. Allowing plants to go to seed instead of removing the flowers will provide another source of food to local birds.

In addition to varying the plants on your property, you can create a greater mix of food in your bird feeder. The National Wildlife Federation says black oil sunflower seeds will attract a wide variety of birds, while thistle or nyjer is best for feeding goldfinches. There are also specialized feeders to provide nectar to hummingbirds and suet to woodpeckers.

The area around a feeder can start to get messy, since birds will discard seeds they don't like. Look for mixes where the seeds have been de-hulled. While these seeds will still be discarded, they are more likely to be eaten by ground feeding birds such as juncos and sparrows.

Avoid placing feeders too close to vegetation on your property. Cats can hide in these areas, allowing them to pounce on unsuspecting birds. By locating the feeder at least a few feet away from this vegetation, you'll give the birds more time to react to any attacking felines.

Birds need a source of water as well as food. Fountains, waterfalls, and other audible features will let them know that water is available. Hoang says it helps to place fountains among the plants on your property instead of in an open area.

Birdbaths should only be a few inches deep. Placing a flat rock on the bottom can also help birds to get out of the basin. Water can easily evaporate on hot sunny days, so make sure to keep the birdbath replenished as needed.

Try to make your yard a good source of nesting material. Mayntz says leaf litter, brush piles, and grass clippings can all be harvested by birds to build their nests. Hoang says you can also help with these avian construction projects by leaving out pieces of fabric, wool, or yarn.

Putting up a birdhouse can also encourage birds to stay in the neighborhood, especially if trees are lacking. Birds will usually start to create their nests in the spring, and old nests should be removed in the autumn.

Once you have established the bird-friendly features at your home, you can consider joining some networks dedicated to supporting wild birds. Those who take the National Audubon Society's Healthy Yard Pledge promise to take steps such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use. The National Wildlife Federation allows homeowners to register their garden as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.