When it does happen, will the same birds come back next year? This will also keep out competing nesters, since almost no other birds can fit through such a small opening. It is easiest to attract purple martins to open areas with little shelter, as the birds will be more secure when they have a good visual range to survey. A basic seed mix is a good start for backyard birding, but more specialized foods will attract a wider range of species. Their favorite seed is Black-Oil Sunflower but they will eat other varieties of Sunflower Seed, Nyjer and Millet.. BE AWARE THAT HABITAT TYPE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACTOR, WILL IN MOST CASES, DICTATE THE SPECIES OF BIRD THAT VISIT YOUR PROPERTY. A very important aspect of selecting the right house for the nesting birds you want to attract is the size of the entrance hole. Nature lovers who attract finches get to enjoy the […] They are also some of the most recognizable. Avoid putting a bird feeder with the seeds right next to the house since this could attract predators. A hinged-roof is recommended which should be secured with shutter hooks for easy access. Ensure that the house's entry hole is the proper size for the type of bird you want to attract, but it should be 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out aggressive sparrows and starlings. House wrens require the smallest entrance, only 1-1/8 inches. Goldfinches are beautiful and desirable backyard birds.While these wild canaries can be finicky, backyard birders who learn how to attract goldfinches by carefully catering to their needs and preferences will find flocks of gold fluttering in their yard. There are hundreds of bird species throughout the world that will readily use birdhouses and nest boxes, however, and knowing which species are most likely to become tenants can help you prepare to be a bird landlord. Bright yellow American goldfinches are one of the favorites of backyard birders. Goldfinches and other members of the finch family are some of the most welcome birds in North American backyards. Thanks in advance for any help. They also enjoy dandelion seeds, so you can leave those in your yard to attract the birds. While you can scatter small seeds for the finches, the seeds may attract larger predators. Finch birdhouses should be assembled with corrosion-resistant screws fit to pre-drilled countersunk pilot holes. How to Attract Finches to Your Feeders There are many finch species in North America, including the American goldfinch, the house finch, purple finch, and more. Many finches will also feed on suet and nectar. Adding new food sources is one of the easiest and most effective ways to attract new birds to your backyard.