Creating a Bird Garden
Birds benefit from a perfect landscape just as humans do. While gardens are often designed with a focus on annuals and perennials, with bulbs being placed in locations of recommended sun exposure and moist ground and shrubs being trimmed and shaped, birds view gardens and yards with their own needs in mind. Birds look for food, shelter, and water, and the more of each that is available, the more species of birds will be attracted to your yard.
Birds need food year round to survive, Not all birds are migratory, and cold weather and severe rains can leave birds without adequate food supply. Shrubs and bushes need to be available to provide fruits and seeds. A mixed offering will promise a larger variety of birds will be attracted to your yard, and at least one shrub should offer berries year round. Local greenhouses and nurseries can help to point you in the direction of which shrubs and vines will work best in your geographic location.
Bushes are also beneficial in providing shelter from predators. Dense thickets allow for nests, seclusion and cover, and are also an ideal location for birds to dry off after a happy swim in the bird bath. Bird baths provide water for drinking and bathing, and are essential in attracting birds. Birds need water to survive, and can not resist the sound of trickling water. Thickets are a great place for birds to dry off after a swim. Since birds can not fly well when wet, precautions towards their welfare against predators need to be taken if providing bird baths.
Birds prefer to bath at ground level, but if cats are a concern then bird baths can be placed 2-3' above the ground. Adding a small amount of sand to the bottom of the bath allows birds to grip their feet and not fall over. Water levels should not exceed 2" at the deepest point, and water should remain fresh and full.
Bird Feeders can be set up almost anywhere. Choose from Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders, Window Bird Feeders, and Tube Bird Feeders. Platform Bird Feeders can be left at ground level or hung from a shepherds hook. Many types of bird feeders are available, and as many as desired can be placed throughout your yard. Many birds also enjoy fruit and suet cakes, so fruit feeders and suet cake feeders are also good options. Experimenting with different feeders is a great way to discover which birds are local to your region.
Birds offer a great excuse to not rake and bag leaves at the end of the fall. By allowing old leaves to pile under bushes or near trees, birds are actually receiving another source for food. As the leaves begin to soften and get older, the birds find necessary protein in the insects that live within the old leaves. Dead trees and limbs offer food as well through the insects tunneling under the bark. Dead branches can be used to create a brush pile for birds, offering protection from harsh weather and predators. Ivy is also very attractive to birds, whether climbing up a house, along a fence, or over branches and piles.
A backyard habitat for birds involves little more than an understanding of how birds use natural resources. Planting some bushes, piling up leaves and sticks, and providing water are enough to draw birds to your garden. Adding flowers, bird feeders, and bird houses are additional protective and nutritional resources you can provide for birds. With the rapid urbanization of America, many of the birds natural habitats are being removed, and there are less resources available for survival. Many resources are available to help educate the public on bird feeding, and organizations such as Project Feederwatch are committed to learning more about birds and their lifestyle patterns. We also offer additional resources for How to Choose Birdfeeders as well as a great selection of Bird Houses.
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