12 Tips On How To Attract Cardinals To Your Yard

4. Offer a Water Source (Preferably Moving): Another essential tip on how to attract Cardinals is a water source. Often overlooked (especially in winter), water sources are essential to Cardinals and many other birds. Like most mammals and birds, Northern Cardinals need to drink every day and providing a reliable water source is just one more way you can make your yard more attractive. Keeping them clean and changed often is the best way to avoid bacteria or algae growth, not to mention mosquito eggs. Adding a small stick or two to your birdback can give Cardinals a little extra security in the water. It will give them a comfortable place to rest while they drink or after bathing. Because of their size, slightly deeper bird baths (think 2-3 inches) are most suitable. Adding a dripper or mister is a great way to attract attention and bird baths placed on the ground provide excellent security for the shy Cardinal.