Have ever considered creating a bird garden?
You can attract a wide variety of bird species using bird feeders and nest boxes. But if you'd rather use a more natural approach
consider landscaping your yard, or just a part of it, to be more bird-friendly.
You don't need a large yard to create a bird garden. Planting a variety of
trees, shrubs, and
flowers can provide good nesting sites,
winter shelter, places to hide from predators, and natural food supplies that are available all year round.
All it takes is some planning and a modest amount of work. If you already enjoy gardening, then creating a bird garden will be easy.
But if you're new to wildlife gardening don't worry, you don't need to be a horticulturist to be successful.
Your yard may already provide a good supply of food, water and shelter for your local bird population.
However, if you are like me, you will need to make some changes to your yard. Creating a bird garden can be as simple or complex as you
desire.
Whichever approach you choose, you will be rewarded with beautiful wild birds that will bring color and bird songs into your life all
year long.
There are many benefits to creating a bird garden in your yard to attract wild birds:
Increased Bird Populations
Creating sustainable natural habitats for wild birds is more important than ever before. Suitable natural bird habitats continue to be lost
to development. You can probably double the number of wild birds
visiting your property by implementing a good landscaping plan.
Natural Beauty
A good bird-friendly yard contributes to a beautiful, natural setting around your home that is pleasing to people as well as to
birds.
Wild Bird Photography
Photography and bird watching are both wonderful hobbies. By creating a bird garden, you will be able to take pictures of
wild birds in a more natural setting.
Bird Watching
Bird watching and gardening are two of the most popular hobbies in America. Creating a bird garden to attract birds brings the two of
them together. Your success will result in having more birds to watch right in your own backyard.
Insect Control
It is no secret that wild birds keep populations of insects such as ants, aphids, flies, termites, etc. in check
and they do this without the use of expensive and hazardous pesticides and chemicals.
Education for Kids
Creating a bird garden can inspire young people to develop a lifelong interest in wildlife and conservation.
Here are a few guidelines to help you get started:
Set Your Priorities
Build a plan around the types of wild birds you wish to attract. Then prioritize your goals by what will have the most impact. If you are
unsure which species live in your area, then watch your bird feeders
and make a list of the most common visitors. You can also talk to your neighbors or contact a local bird club for more information about
the birds in your area.
Use Native Plants When Possible
Your bird garden will be more successful when you use plants native to your area. Not only are the plants more likely to thrive, but also
the foods produced by them will be better suited for the wild birds that live around you.
Protect the environment and build a native habitat for wildlife with a native
rain garden.
Draw a Site Plan of Your Property
Make a basic site plan, include buildings, sidewalks, power lines, buried cables, fences, septic tank fields, trees, shrubs and patios. Consider
how your plan relates to your neighbor's property. Identify and map sunny or shady sites, low or wet sites, sandy sites and native plants that
will be left in place.
Have Your Soil Tested
Before beginning any landscaping project, you should have your soil tested by your local garden center, county extension agent or soil
conservation service. Find out what kind of soil you have and then find out if your soil has nutrient or organic deficiencies that
fertilization or addition of compost can correct. The soil you have will help determine the plants that can be included in your landscaping plan.
Do You Have a Water Source in Your Yard?
If not, you should at least install a birdbath. You could also
install a pond that will create a more natural look and feel. Supplying a source of water can double the number of wild birds
attracted to your yard.
The Most Important Part of Your Bird Garden Plan is Choosing the Right Plants
Evaluating what you already have in your yard is the best place to start. Do you need to add shelter? Maybe a natural food source?
Once you have chosen the plants that you want to add to your landscape, sketch them on your site plan. Be sure to take into account the mature
size of trees and shrubs. This will help you calculate how many trees and shrubs your yard can accommodate. Be sure to leave open sunny sites
where the flowers and shrubs can thrive. Decide on your budget. How much you can spend during the time span of your project. Don't try
to do too much at once. Set realistic goals for yourself.
Implement Your Plan
Planting your bird garden is where the fun begins. Include your entire family so that everyone will feel involved in the creation of your
new wild bird habitat. Document your plantings on paper and with photographs. Try taking pictures of your yard from the same spots every year
to document the growth of your plants.
Maintain Your Plantings
Maintaining your new trees, shrubs and flowers should be part of your overall plan. Keeping the soil around your new plantings moist is one
of the most important things you can do. You can make this task easier with the use of landscaping film, wood chips or bark mulch. This
will also reduce weeds without the use of herbicides.
Take the time to enjoy what you have accomplished. Be patient, it may be several weeks or months before you see the rewards of your
hard work.
Have ever considered creating a bird garden?
You can attract a wide variety of bird species using bird feeders and nest boxes. But if you'd rather use a more natural approach
consider landscaping your yard, or just a part of it, to be more bird-friendly.
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