Behind every successful bird garden is a good landscape design. As the following tips reveal, there’s a great difference between sowing the common lawn and establishing a bird-friendly garden. Here are ten pointers for attracting birds:
- Grub: Each bird species has unique nutritional needs and feeding habits. Do a bit of research to learn which trees, shrubs, and flowers will draw which birds.
- Water: Want to double the number of birds outside your window? Draw in birds with a birdbath or frog pond.
- Home Sweet Home: Birds need to keep a safe distance from predators. Provide your winged friends with places to nest safely, by growing long grasses and shrubs and installing birdhouses.
- Biodiversity: In a garden, as in nature, a diverse system is a strong system. The greater the variety of plants in your yard, the more bird species it will be able to support.
- All Seasons: We humans tend to enjoy the garden only in fair weather. For many birds, however, your yard can be a year-round home. Choose plants that provide year round shelter and food.
- Location, Location, Location: Keep your houses, feeders, and water sources at a safe distance from the winter wind and snow drifting.
- Consider Yourself Dangerous: Picture windows, herbicides, and pets all endanger the birds in your garden and should be kept at a safe distance.
- In the Zone: If you’re thinking about putting in non-native plants, check your garden catalogue’s hardiness-zone map. Make sure the plants have been rated to hold up in your winters.
- Down to Earth: Get your soil tested by your local garden center or university. Each type of soil–acidic versus alkaline, for example–suits plants to varying degrees.
- Go the Distance: If you’re eager to learn about landscape design, you might consider turning your interest into a career. Many colleges offer degrees and diplomas in landscape design, and with distance learning, getting a degree has never been easier. Enroll today, and soon your birds won’t be the only ones whistling.
Sources
HowToAttractBirds.com
Baltimore Birdclub, “Attracting Birds”