The Ideal Bird Garden - Creating a Bird Friendly Habitat
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Are you delighted by the natural show of birds - flocks of sparrows descending to the ground for a feast, or a lone blue jay making his noisy calls against a winter backdrop of the great outdoors? Birds offer the birdwatcher and listener both pleasure and entertainment. At its simplest level, one can be a bird watcher -- also known as a birder -- simply by looking out a window into the great outdoors and observing the various winged creatures that may be passing by or hopping past. On the opposite end of the scale, you can purchase the most costly, high-powered telescope and portable tripod and traipse across the globe in search of some of nature's most marvelous and colorful creatures.  If
you want to enjoy the company of birds in your yard you
can do so by creating a garden suited to their needs.
Planting a variety of trees, shrubs and natural grasses
can make your yard a desirable destination and a mecca
for birding and birders. There are four needs that you can provide that will encourage birds to your yard: safety, shelter, food and homes. |
Bird
Watching
Home -The
Bird Garden - Creating a Bird Friendly
Habitat
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SAFETY Birds have many predators. Thick trees, grasses and shrubs hide them from enemies and protect their young. Evergreens like pine, fir or hollies provide dense cover throughout the year while deciduous trees are welcome protection in the warmer months. SHELTER
Since most birds are not taught
to find food from bird feeders, you will attract more
varieties of wild birds if you offer natural food
sources. Berries, insects, nectar and nuts are preferred
to seeds by some birds and will be abundant in supply if
you Plan your garden to offer food throughout the year. For example: blueberry and blackberry bushes in the summer, dogwoods in the fall and hollies in the winter. Oaks, pines and walnut trees will provide seeds and nuts during the year.
Shrubs and trees with winter
berries will attract non-migrating wild birds throughout
the colder months. By offering a varied selection of
natural food sources you can enjoy the splendor of all
your local birds. You can create homes for your birds, or watch them build their own, but providing trees will encourage even the most timid birds to your yard for nesting and rearing their young.
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The trees and shrubs that offer
protection from predators can also protect them from the
elements. Even tall ornamental grass can be used as a
refuge from inclement weather. Planting bushes close
together will provide better protection for your birds.
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A beautiful garden is well complemented by the company of birds. Provide for their needs and they will surely provide the gift of beauty, melody and entertainment to your garden. |
