Except for purple martins and swallows, do not expect to have more than one family of the same type of bird within viewing distance of each other.  They just don't get along.  The first one in will harass the newcomers and you will end up with only one tenant. 

Bird houses or roosting pockets for individual bird families should face east, west or south - never north.  They should be far enough away from any structure, eave overhang or tree to prevent a climbing predator from reaching them. Bird Houses made of natural materials attract a wider variety of nesting songbirds.

Water is vital for wild birds all year round.  Water sources should be placed fairly close to your feeders.  Providing water is the very best way to attract birds to your yard. Yes, birds are more attracted to water in your yard than by food! In addition, water brings out many interesting antics to watch.  You will see birds sipping, seriously grooming their feathers and splashing and playing.  Classic pedestal birdbaths attract a wide variety of birds.

Locate the bath within six feet of a tree or tall shrub to give birds a place to fly to if a threat like the neighbor's cat disturbs them while bathing or drinking.  Make sure it is not near any hiding places where cats and other predators may lurk.  Bird baths can be on a pedestal, hanging, laid flat on the ground or attached, for example, to a deck rail.

Be sure your bath is not too deep.  The deepest point should be 2-1/2" or less. It's best if the edge of the bath is not slippery so that birds can have sure footing.

Bath water should be changed every few days, no matter what the season, to insure a fresh, clear supply.  It is important to keep your bath clean. Washing the bath with water and white vinegar will help prevent algae growth and keep the bath fresh. Bath brushes and special bath and fountain protection solutions are available to help keep baths sparkling clean and safe for birds.

Moving water fascinates and attracts birds. Outfitting your bath with a dripper or mister like Misters or Drippers will attract a wider variety of birds.  In warm weather a mister will be attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies too!

Cold weather in northern climates brings a special challenge to survival because natural water sources are often frozen. Providing ice-free water for drinking and feather maintenance can be life-saving for birds. Water sources may be kept ice-free by an immersible electric heater that goes right into the birdbath water. Baths with built in heating are also available - some can be deck-mounted too, for easy viewing.  They let you enjoy the birds through your windows all winter.

In late fall when cover becomes scarce, you can build a safe haven with dead branches that you've collected from your pruning efforts.  Start with a base of hefty ones laid in two rows at right angles to each other - as if you were building a campfire.  Then add upright ones - the largest first, and finishing with the smaller ones.  It will look like tent when complete.  Click the thumbnail of the diagram to see the larger view. Weeping trees - mulberry, willow, etc. also provide cover if the branches reach the ground.