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The Pet Bird Garden
Are you delighted
by the natural show of birds? Flocks of sparrows descending
to the ground for a feast, or a lone blue jay making
his noisy calls against a winter backdrop - birds offer
the observer and listener both pleasure and entertainment.
If you want to enjoy the company of
birds in your yard you can do so by creating a garden
suited to their needs. Planting a variety of trees,
shrubs and natural grasses can make your yard a desirable
destination. There are four needs that you can provide
for that will encourage birds to your yard: safety,
shelter, food and home.
SAFETY
Birds have many predators. Thick trees,
grasses and shrubs hide them from enemies and protect
their young. Evergreens like pine, fir or hollies provide
dense cover throughout the year while deciduous trees
are welcome protection in the warmer months.
SHELTER
The trees and shrubs that offer protection
from predators can also protect them from the elements.
Even tall ornamental grass can be used as a refuge from
inclement weather. Planting bushes close together will
provide better protection for your birds.
FOOD
Since most birds are not taught to find
food from bird feeders you will attract more varieties
of wild birds if you offer natural food sources. Berries,
insects, nectar and nuts are preferred to seeds by some
birds and will be abundant in supply if you choose these
trees and shrubs to plant in your garden.
Plan your garden to offer food throughout
the year, for example; blueberry and blackberry bushes
in the summer, dogwoods in the fall and hollies in the
winter. Oaks, pines and walnut trees will provide seeds
and nuts during the year.
Shrubs and flowers can be planted to
encourage visits from nectar-seeking birds like the
hummingbird. Crabapple trees and azaleas provide nectar
equally well as flowers. Shrubs and trees with winter
berries will attract non-migrating wild birds throughout
the colder months. By offering a varied selection of
natural food sources you can enjoy the splendor of all
your local birds.
HOME
You may create homes for your birds,
or notice them being built in your eves, but providing
trees will encourage even the most timid birds to your
yard for nesting and rearing their young.
Different birds prefer different nesting
sites. Some will nest high in a tree, some will prefer
nesting in lower bushes, and others will nest on the
ground amongst the tall grasses. The variety of planting
you do will encourage more birds to nest in your yard.
Since some birds will only nest in your
area for the summer, deciduous trees can provide equally
well for their nesting needs as coniferous trees. They
can also be a desirable home if they provide an easy
source of food to feed their young.
A beautiful garden is well complemented
by the company of birds. Provide for their needs and
they will surely provide the gift of beauty, melody
and entertainment to your garden.
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