Summer is a great time for appreciating nature and all its splendor, including one of its most varied species: birds.

Even better, you can do so from the comfort of your own home by attracting them with various types of foods and water.

Provide nourishment

There are several kinds of foods you can choose from, but some birds prefer specific types. For instance, put out banana slices or orange halves for cardinals and orioles, fill a nectar feeder with a sugar-and-water solution for hummingbirds, or provide unseasoned peanuts for blue jays and chickadees.

Many birds will eat from a tray feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seeds, so you could start with that first. You can also use apps like the Audubon Bird Guide and Merlin Bird ID to determine which species are in your area so you can offer birdseed and other edibles that appeal specifically to them.

This time of year, replenish your feeders frequently, and hang them in the shade to prevent spoilage. Don’t let them remain empty for very long, either, as birds prefer to flock to feeders that consistently have food.

Offer water

Birdbaths can be both a source of drinking water and a spot to bathe and cool off for your winged visitors. There are many types to choose from, including ones on pedestals, decorative bowls that you can put on flat surfaces, and even those you can hang from a tree or hook. You can also craft a birdbath by resting a plant saucer on four bricks, filling it with pebbles and a stone or two for birds to perch on, and adding one to two inches of water. Inserting an inexpensive solar fountain will attract more birds and keep the water fresher. Whichever type of birdbath you choose, replace the water at least every other day.

Keep it clean

To prevent disease from spreading and keep birds coming to your yard, your birdbaths and feeders must be free of bacteria and mold. Sanitize baths a few times a week by emptying them and scrubbing them with a solution of one part vinegar and nine parts water. Empty feeders every two weeks, and sterilize them with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Rinse everything well, and dry them with a rag or paper towel before refilling them. You may also want to wear gloves while cleaning these items to avoid germs.

Get a good look

Much of the fun of attracting birds to your backyard is watching them as they feed and interact with each other. To see the most activity, keep an eye on your baths and feeders between dawn and 11:00 a.m., when birds are most active. Attaching a clear bird feeder to a window can make it fun and easy to watch the birds from inside your home. Another option to consider is getting a smart bird feeder that will alert you when your feathered friends drop by—plus, its app will allow you to take and save photos and videos of their visits easily, capturing your interaction with nature all summer long.