Tips requested for attracting backyard birds and critters for photography

Our backyard in Houston is thinly bordered by flower beds with some flowering and non-flowering plants, with a pool smack dab in the middle. I recently picked up a macro lens which led me to explore and discover a host of interesting critters despite the limited opportunity, such as dragonflies, orb weavers, etc. This has led me to the idea of of adding a bird feeder, and plants to attract insects that may make good subjects for photography, such as butterflies.

Was hoping to tap into the collective experience here on the do's and don'ts of adding a bird feeder, suggestions on plants to add to attract butterflies, and any other tips to attract winged and crawling subjects for photography. I've done my homework on Google, but was looking for specific advice from a photographer's standpoint. Thanks in advance!

Google is your friend I can't help cause I'm a long way away from Houston

Variety of feeders (millet, sunflower, thistle), variety of foods & suet (great for woodpeckers), bushes and some form of thicket if you want smaller birds (they don't like being in the open too long), and water-water-water. We have one bird bath but have repurposed old frying pans along the rock wall in the back, so we have 6 or 7 sources of water for them. Keep everything filled and then just wait - once they know what's there they'll learn to show up.

As mentioned, check with local wildlife group sites to see what birds and critters are in the area and get seed that attracts them. There is a difference in brands. We used to get whatever millet was cheapest, but when Tractor Supply opened up nearby we tried the Royal Wing brand that they carry and were amazed at some of the birds we started getting that we hadn't gotten before with the same feeders in the same spots for 10 years.

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Horoscope Fish said:

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Hahaha


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