[CT Birds] Attracting Birds Question

[etbchs at aol.com]

I recently moved to a newly developed area (previous farm land) with a pond which is attracting many water fowl; but the orchard?(thorny brush and a few pines) just beyond my house, beautiful as it is, just doesn't bring birds past its borders to my feeders; not a lot of trees?around my house; mockingbirds, hawks, kestrals, and coyottes have been seen with binoculars...is this the reason for birds staying away? If anyone has any thoughts on what I should look for in the orchard?as?natural habitat?and any resources on how I can provide cover closer to my home to attract feeder birds, I'd appreciate it! Also, I have permission to add nesting houses to the field...any thoughts on which birds might do best and types of houses.
Elaine Taylor
Bristol, CT