If You Build It, They Will Flock: Creating a Backyard Haven for Birds
Imagine entering your backyard and being greeted by a symphony created by nature’s orchestra; the chirps, trills, and tweets coming from the songbirds, and a steady beat provided by a woodpecker or two. Even the occasional shriek or squawk seems to add to the beautiful sound emanating from inside and around the yard. Close your eyes and enjoy the ever-changing music. Or, better yet, keep your eyes open! There are sure to be colorful sights for your viewing pleasure perched on the fence, or fluttering about the bird feeder. Not a bad way to start the day for sure.
Transforming your garden into a bird haven is easier than you might think, and the rewards are endless. Not only do birds bring joy and color to our lives, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems.
Why Garden for Birds?
Birds are nature’s pest controllers, pollinators, and seed dispersers. By inviting them into our gardens, we support biodiversity and create a balanced environment. Plus, there’s something magical about watching a vibrant red cardinal flit among the branches or hearing the distant call of a Mourning Dove. Be sure to have your camera ready, as you never know who will stop by!
Simple Steps to Attract Birds
Offer a Variety of Foods: Different birds have different tastes. Provide a mix of seeds, nuts, suet, and fresh fruit to cater to a wide range of species. For instance, sunflower seeds are a favorite among many birds, while orioles are particularly fond of oranges. Throw some mealworms into the mix too, as they are attractive to a large variety of birds.
Provide Fresh Water: A clean water source is essential for drinking and bathing. Birdbaths, small ponds, or even a simple dish can serve this purpose. Ensure the water is refreshed regularly to prevent stagnation.
Plant Native Species: Native plants offer familiar food and shelter for local birds. Consider adding a mix of trees, shrubs, and flowers that produce seeds, berries, and nectar. For example, serviceberries and sunflowers are excellent choices that support a variety of bird species. Choose wisely here, and you might be adding in some wonderful scents to go along with that symphony of sounds and colors! Did someone say honeysuckle?
Create Shelter and Nesting Sites: Dense shrubs, trees, and even man-made nest boxes provide birds with safe places to rest and raise their young. Position these shelters away from high-traffic areas to give birds a sense of security. If you are considering a man-made nest box or feeder, but don’t want to break the bank, there are lots of build-it-yourself options you can create using recycled materials from around the house!
Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can harm birds directly and reduce the insect populations they rely on for food. Opt for natural pest control methods to keep your garden bird-friendly. If you have pets that will be using the garden area, this will keep them safer as well.
Join the Garden for Birds Project
If you’re eager to make a difference, consider participating in the Garden for Birds Project. This initiative aims to understand how residential gardens can support sustainable bird habitats. By signing up, you’ll receive monthly emails from March to November with tips, insights, and guidance on creating a bird-friendly garden. Your involvement also contributes to valuable research that benefits our feathered friends.
At Field Trip, we believe that the outdoors is for everyone, and that includes the birds. By making small changes in our gardens, we can create sanctuaries that support bird populations and enrich our own lives. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and make our gardens a haven for birds.
Happy birding!
Note: Participation in the Garden for Birds Project is open to residents of the United States and Canada. Sign up by Friday, March 7, 2025, to get started.
