This article is a continuation of Parts 1 and 2. Rather than write an introduction, for this one, I'd like you to go back and read the other two. Thanks. After reading this one, go on to Part 4.
Dead Stuff
Don't cut and remove old, dying or dead trees. I have an apple tree that is about 60 years old. It has had one trunk half that has been dying for more than 20 years. Flickers and downy woodpeckers adore digging in it for insects.
Water
Install a pond, even a small one, because water is critical for attracting birds. My first pond was an above-grounder made of 2"x6"x8' planks and lined with butyl. The pond measures 4'x8'x 1.5' deep. Success with that pond led to my in-ground pond of about the same dimensions only deeper in the center.
Birds absolutely love the availability of water for drinking and bathing. Pond pumps create artificial waterfalls and accompanying sound that attract birds. Be sure to provide a way for birds to get to the water if they can't reach it from an elevated pond edge. You can made a floating log by affixing a piece of cork oak to a styrofoam "float." You might be able to get cork orak form a florist or an orchid nursery.
If you can't make a floating log, consider an artificial island. Just up-end a plastic milk crate and weight it with potted water plants so that the tops of the pots just stick up above the water. Birds will land in the plants and make their way down to water to drink. Another alternative is to find a branch that you can hang out over the pond so a bird can ease down to the end to grab a drink.
Usually, however, you don't need to do any of this. I've seen some birds drinking directly out of my waterfall as if it was a water fountain, although other birds must dring with their beaks pointed down so they do need the right access.
A few concrete or plastic bird baths placed around a yard in the open where a bird feels safe from cats are a good idea too. This will keep birds from bathing in your pond and pooping up the water.
Ponds, of course, are required if you want frogs, fish, snails and dragonflies. Most people avoid water turtles because they eat the fish and foul the water. The downside of a pond for wildlife is that racoons will invite themselves to dinner and make an escargot meal of your pond snails. This is okay if your snails are prolific but if you have a pet snail or don't like the idea of replenishing them each spring to the tune of 50 cents a piece, you won't be too happy.
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