Introduction There are two good reasons for encouraging birds to feed in your garden. One is to help counteract the effect that modern urbanization has had on their natural habitats and feeding habits, in a small way redressing the balance so to speak. The second is purely selfish, and embraces the enjoyment, pleasure and relaxation that watching their colorful rituals, displays, and antics can bring to the keen birder, gardener, or householder alike. But, to encourage birds in your garden, you must offer them something in return, their most obvious needs being food and water. If you can also provide somewhere safe for them to raise their young or shelter when the weather's bad, then they will learn to feel safe in your garden. This book is intended for those practical people who enjoy creating something just a little different: feeders, bird tables, and nesting boxes that will help you to introduce you to a new and worthwhile interest, while at the same time involving you in a fascinating and rewarding pastime. The projects range from basic and simple feeders to decorative and more ornate birdhouses. Each is designed to enhance your garden or yard, each animated by the birds' natural ability to fly. Excerpted from Build Your Own Birdhouses and Feeders: From Simple, Natural Designs to Spectacular, Customized Houses and Feeders by John Perkins All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.