Attracting Birds to the Garden
by Jackie
Carroll A gardener's relationship with birds is one of mutual
benefit. The gardener provides for a few of the birds basic needs, and the birds
help to keep down the insect population while treating us to an unending source
of entertainment. Birds take their role as insect predator seriously. A single
bird will gulp down 500 to 1,000 insects in an afternoon.
Birds have four primary needs: food, water, shelter,
and a place to raise a family. As you'll see, these needs are easily
met.
 Food
Two
types of seeds, white proso millet and black oil sunflower seeds, will attract
most common seed-eating birds. These two seeds should be the mainstay in your
feeders. To broaden the diversity of birds visiting your feeders, add
species-specific seeds such as red proso millet, black- and gray-striped
sunflower seeds, Niger thistle (for goldfinches, pine siskins and purple
finches), milo and peanut kernels (for chickadees and white tufted titmice).
Beef suet helps birds maintain their body heat in
cold weather. Hang plastic mesh bags of suet or pinecones dipped in melted suet
from tree limbs. Woodpeckers are particularly appreciative of this treat.
For more suggestions on feeding birds, see Leigh
Abernathy's article It's For The Birds. If you're interested in attracting hummingbirds to your garden, see
Naomi Mathew's article Creating a Hummingbird Haven.
Water
An ideal water source for
birds should be about three inches deep and three feet off the ground. Motion
and sound will grab a bird's attention. You can create moving water by
suspending a leaky container from a branch over a birdbath. Fountains and
waterfalls are favorite hangouts for songbirds, and misters place in the plants
near your birdbath will attract a variety of feathered visitors.
 Shelter
Birds need shelter to protect them from the
elements and allow them to hide from predators. Dense, twiggy shrubs and
evergreens are the shelter of choice for most birds.
Nesting Sites
Different species
of birds have different nesting requirements, and you can find ready-made bird
houses or build-it-yourself plans for almost every species of bird. Choose
birdhouses that are weather resistant and have a pitched roof to shed rain.
There should be holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage. A
hinged or removable roof is a bonus for you because it makes cleaning much
easier. The birdhouse should be cleaned after each nesting season.
When hanging your birdhouse, position the entrance
hole away from prevailing winds.
About the
Author:
Jackie Carroll is the editor of GardenGuides.com, a leading
internet destination for gardening information and ideas.
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