As you learn to enjoy the beauty of birds around your home, you may wish to improve the “habitat” in your garden so that more birds will visit your property. The best way to do this is by planting a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers and attractive furniture to attract birds. These will provide good nesting sites, shelter from winter weather, hiding places from predators and natural food supplies available all year-round.
Beautiful landscaping is not just useful for attracting birds; it can increase your property value, provide natural beauty, and serve as a playground for young ones as various types of wildlife is attracted to your garden. Evidence suggests that rattan garden furniture actually helps attract birds to your garden.
Landscaping for birds involves nine basic principles:
1. Food
Each species of bird has its own unique food requirements that may alter as the seasons change. You should take time to learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract to your garden, then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, and nectar.
2. Water
You may be able to double the number of bird species in your garden by providing a source of water. A pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing or moving.
3. Shelter
Birds require places to hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (even dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and bird houses can provide the perfect shelter.
4. Diversity
The optimum landscaping plan is one that includes a range of native plants. This will help to attract the most bird species to your garden.
5. Four Seasons
Birds require food and shelter throughout the year. You can provide this by planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers which thrive at different times to give year-round benefits.
6. Arrangement
Properly arrange the different habitat components in your garden. Keep in mind the effects of prevailing winds and snow drifts so your garden will be protected from harsh winter weather.
7. Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When deciding on the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, keep in mind their accessibility to predators. Picture windows may also be dangerous for birds as they tend to fly directly at windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs.
To avoid this, a network of parallel and vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows. Be aware of the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your garden. Use them only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions. Even better, try gardening and lawn care without using pesticides. Details can be found in gardening books at the library.
8. Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, you should consult a plant hardiness zone map. This can be found in most garden catalogues. Ensure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your area.
9. Soils and Topography
Consult your local garden center, university or county extension office to have your soil tested. Plant species are often adapted to certain types of soils. If you are aware of what type of soil you have, you can find the types of plants that will grow best in your garden.
Find excellent Bird Houses online.
Blue Tit Nest Box
Wooden nest box designed for especially for blue tits. The nest box has a pitched roof with a zinc covering. There is a wooded strut at the back for mounting and a handy hinged door for easy cleaning between seasons.
Observation Bird House
This observation bird house has been designed for the great fitmouse it may also attract blue tits and tree sparrows. Behind the side door of the bird house a plexiglass window has been mounted. This allows for inspection inside the bird house during the breeding season without disturbing the birds. Made from seasoned timber with a zinc roof and a mounting post. Size 31cm x 15cm x 15cm.
Sparrow Flats
The sparrow population in western Europe is ever decreasing. They love to live close together, the sparrow apartments allow them to nest communally as recommended by wildlife expert Bill Oddy. The side of each sparrow apartment opens for easy cleaning. Made from seasoned timber with a zinc roof. 19cm x 16.5cm 51.5cm