Bird Abodes

I am on a quest to attract birds to my SJC garden. I know they are around, they just don't seem to make it into the garden where we can enjoy them. I've had to abandon my bird feeders because although they fed the birds by day, they became rat feeders after dark. I know we will always have rats in the garden, they actually do some good by controlling the snails and slugs, but I prefer not to put out a buffet to attract more than necessary. I have hung some new bird houses and hopefully they will be occupied this spring. Nothing fancy, but simple and practical. Hopefully the birds will think so too.