Attracting birds and wildlife to your yard

Can you imagine: taking a stroll and a strange sort of quiet prevails? You wonder what is "not quite right" and then notice that there are no birds singing. Their songs may go without notice, but if they become silent, it's strikingly noticeable. Their lovely songs are part of the "experience" of nature that sends a sense of security to our souls. We do want them around us, in our yards, in our gardens, and eating those annoying insects that we struggle to conquer.

If your yard is established with large trees and shrubs you have already attracted birds, who love the shelter of the dense wooded areas. Heavy woodland will not attract all birds such as purple martins, however, that require enough space to maneuver in their flight.

You yard should be filled with bushy plants, flowering, fruit and seed bearing: the types that feed the birds as well as give shelter. In other words, if you want to attract birds by design then choose those that are nice to look at and will provide food.

Hummingbirds feed from April until late fall, so choose flowering plants that will bloom in sequence to provide nourishment during those months. Your choice of flowering bushes can be determined by free information that is available at your local garden store.

I have heard old fashioned gardeners say, " I will plant enough to share with the birds and squirrels." You may want to consider planting extra amounts of vegetables to share with the birds. The fruit or vegetables that are not edible for human beings can be placed in an area for wildlife consumption. Plant a "special garden just for them" like a bit of alfalfa, clover millet, sunflowers, and so on. Care should be taken when using pesticides on your lawn ground feeding birds can be sickened by eating what is left in the grass and soil.

Your compost pile will attract insects, and thus attract insect eating birds, as well as wild grasses and weeds, perhaps allowed to grow in an area out of sight.

You may augment the natural food with "bird seed" which is especially good in the winter months. Place the feeders somewhat near trees or shrubs for the "get away" route of the birds if a predator should approach. The feeders should be in sight, if possible, of windows or near your patio seating to be enjoyed. Feed them in the warm months also, this makes them familiar with the location of the food supply, and they are likely to return later in cold weather. A feeder attracts mourning doves and chickadees, to mention a few, and… squirrels. Fruit feeders entice many birds, such as orioles, bluebirds, woodpeckers, and robins. Nectar will attract birds such as hummingbirds, orioles, and sometimes-other species.

Giving the Birds a Drink

Water is water, whether it be a natural stream, manmade pond, or birdbath, the wildlife will be summoned to the place where water is plenteous.

Keep an area of about 8 feet clear around the watering sector to allow the birds free vision to avoid a predator sneaking upon them unaware. Keep only 2-3 inches of water in the bath. A stone placed in the center will give the birds a place to rest and drink, and a good visual perspective. To avoid disease breeding, wash the birdbath with a diluted bleach solution perhaps once weekly.

Shelter

Of course, birds need a place in disagreeable weather to stay comfortable. They also need it for protection, nesting and relaxing. Trees that are compact, and shrubs, and brush piled in a heap are good protection and refuge from the elements. Birds love evergreens especially in winter when other trees have lost their leaves. Woodpeckers, bluebirds, wrens, and chickadees will be drawn to "nest boxes." Make sure your boxes are in place by February. The boxes should be cleaned when the season for nesting is completed.

Purple Martin houses are most certainly popular, and should be placed in an accessible area un-obstructed and with in approximately 100 ft. of a house. Once setting up residence on a particular birdhouse, the martins will return year after year. You may have to shoo out starlings and sparrows until the purple martins are settled in. Clean the house after and before each season.

The work it takes to entice the birds to your yard may seem to be considerable nonetheless very worth while. The enjoyment they bring with them as visitors to your home is well worth the effort!