Cardinals at Jean Weichel's Feeder

The birds are beginning  to chirp, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner, and it's time to show them how glad we are to have them back.

It's our little winged friends who keep pests at bay and who bring a garden to life so here are a few tips on how to bring them into your garden.

• Plant a wide range of trees and shrubs, preferably native, that will provide them with food, shelter and a place to make their nests. Evergreens such as pines and spruce are good choices for providing safe, secure nesting sites.

• If you're going to encourage birds to come and feed, then make certain you also provide water, especially in winter, even though it can be hard to do.

• Cultivate flowers to attract the insects that are an appealing meal for birds.

• Don't cut back your perennials. Plants, such as purple cone-flower and grasses, are an excellent source of seeds throughout the long winter

• Last, but the most important -- never use pesticides. There are organic, pesticide-free planting methods, such as companion planting, that will ensure birds, good insects and other wildlife have a safe environment.

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To help you welcome back our feathered friends, here are only a few types and what they particularly like to see at the buffet.