A bird sanctuary should include the three basics: food, water, and shelter. Shelter should include the obvious, bird houses, for mating season, but also ground cover, shrubs and trees. Birds need a quick escape when hawks spy them (and they will). Having shrubs and trees within 6-12 feet or so from your feeders and water features will give them an escape route. Try not to have your food and water containers too far away from a window, as you will become addicted to watching your birds!

To that end, I would begin by researching native plantings, to include those which also provide berries, nuts, and fruits, trying to include ones that provide their fruit through all seasons. A visit to your local nursery will let you know which plantings are available to you locally. After you have that info, take your list to your local Lowe's, where you can get a better price on your plantings.

If you have a Wild Birds Unlimited store near you (I live on the east coast), it would definitely be worth your while to get some valuable tips on feeding, housing, and providing water, from their employees. I've found the people who work at the specialty bird stores to be true "birders," and not just people who are working there to have a job. Get some ideas from them as to the foods the birds in your area eat and then take that knowledge to a store where the prices are cheaper. Bird food can get very expensive, especially until (if!) you find a way to thwart the local squirrels and bully birds!

Here are some examples of basic bird feeders and a birdhouse to start with in your yard. Buy good quality metal feeders because squirrels and the elements will destroy plastic quickly. And don't forget to clean feeders about once a week, and clean up waste around your feeders, unless you want to attract bigger, nocturnal animals. You'll also want a good pair of binoculars and a field guide, specific to your area!

Thanks! Photo shows what we have. Want to add moving water and make the whole thing look better