Attracting Birds to Open Areas

We recently moved to a new housing development where there are no trees. I'd like to put up birdhouses and feeders, but worry the lack of protective cover will keep birds away. How can I attract birds to such an open area?

—Charlotte Van Cassele, Brockport, New York

George: You're correct in assuming birds are unlikely to nest or feed in a backyard that doesn't have some protective natural cover. The solution is easy—simply plant some. Evergreens will give you instant cover, in summer or winter. So will a discarded Christmas tree or a pile of brush collected from the yard. When the season is right for planting, you can add deciduous shrubs, shade trees and ground covers. Then the birds should flock to your yard to nest, eat and bathe.