Home » birds » Bird Garden-Practical Tips
Bird Garden-Practical Tips
Filed under: Birds
By: ElmerFizz
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 - birds offer
the observer and listener both pleasure and entertainment.
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. There are four needs that you can provide
for that will encourage birds to your yard: safety, shelter, food
and home.
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
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.
FOOD
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 choose these trees and shrubs to plant in your garden.
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 flowers can be planted to encourage visits from
nectar-seeking birds like the hummingbird. Crabapple trees and
azaleas provide nectar equally well as flowers. 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.
HOME
You may create homes for your birds, or notice them being built
in your eves, but providing trees will encourage even the most
timid birds to your yard for nesting and rearing their young.
Different birds prefer different nesting sites. Some will nest
high in a tree, some will prefer nesting in lower bushes, and
others will nest on the ground amongst the tall grasses. The
variety of planting you do will encourage more birds to nest in
your yard.
Since some birds will only nest in your area for the summer,
deciduous trees can provide equally well for their nesting needs
as coniferous trees. They can also be a desirable home if they
provide an easy source of food to feed their young.
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.
http://www.gardenjargon.com is an excellent source of quality gardening items. You could spend days surfing the site.
Reprint of article is granted if all content remains unchanged.
Contact Us