When it comes to a garden, we may naturally drift to the idea of a lush, vibrant space filled with plants. Actually, each plant in your garden adds character, shaping its unique style and charm. But have you ever thought about transforming your garden into a paradise for birds as well? Imagine the joy of having a variety of lively, colorful birds visiting your garden, turning it into a dynamic sanctuary.
Creating a bird haven in your garden isn’t as challenging as it might seem. Even with limited space, you can turn your backyard into a welcoming habitat for local birds. Birdwatching can be a delightful activity for individuals or families, and it’s a great way to support our feathered friends. According to BirdLife International, as of 2014, up to 1,373 bird species worldwide are threatened with extinction due to declining populations and shrinking habitats.
By following these 6 tips to create a backyard bird habitat, you can enjoy the beauty of birdwatching while also offering a safe haven for local bird species.
1. Provide Shelter
Offer your feathered visitors a place to rest and escape the summer heat by installing a birdhouse or perch in your yard. If space is limited, consider a compact and stylish copper spiral feeder. Since different bird species have unique preferences, research the needs of the birds you want to attract and tailor your offerings accordingly.
2. Add a Refreshing Element
Including a water feature like a pond, fountain, or birdbath is essential for creating a bird-friendly environment. It provides birds with a reliable water source and gives you the perfect spot for birdwatching and photography. If space is tight, a small birdbath, such as a Cuban-style one, is a great space-saving option.
3. Plant Native Species
Supporting local bird populations can be as simple as planting native plants, shrubs, and vines in your garden. Plants like sunflowers and purple coneflowers offer seeds for birds, while native plants like milkweed attract insects, a crucial food source for birds. To find the right plants for your area, consult local nurseries or research native species online. Even with limited space, you can grow plants in containers and place them around your yard.
4. Serve Up a Meal
Attract various bird species by adding birdseed, suet, or homemade food mixes to feeders, or hang pinecones or birdseed ornaments in trees or bushes. For a treat, place a piece of fruit on a spear bird feeder, perfect for fruit-loving birds like bluebirds and warblers. To draw hummingbirds, fill a feeder with nectar.
5. Create a Brush Pile
Strategically placing a brush or woodpile in your yard provides birds with both shelter and food. It offers protection from predators and harsh weather, and it attracts insects that birds will gladly feed on. However, ensure these piles are a safe distance from your home to avoid unwanted encounters with pests like ticks.
6. Ensure Safety
Life is tough for birds, so keeping your yard free of cats helps them enjoy their food, water, and shelter in peace. This might involve keeping your pets indoors, installing barriers to keep neighbor or wild cats out, or making noise when a cat is nearby. To protect birds from predators like hawks, position feeders under a cover that still allows birds to monitor their surroundings.
With these steps in place, all you need is a bird guide and a refreshing glass of lemonade to enjoy your backyard bird paradise!