Attracting Birds to the Garden

Todays topic is about birds because birds and gardening go hand and hand.I said I was not going to post any more of my photos,however;I have decided to post photos that are relevant to the topic,providing they do not interfere with my floral gallery in which I am creating.

Titmouse




Attracting Birds to the Garden

A gardener's relationship with birds is one of mutual benefit. The gardener provides for a few of the birds basic needs, and the birds help to keep down the insect population while treating us to an unending source of entertainment. Birds take their role as insect predator seriously. A single bird will eat anywhere from 500 to 1,000 insects in an afternoon.Birds have four primary needs: food, water, shelter, and a place to raise a family. As you'll see, these needs can easily be met.

Food
Two types of seeds,black oil sunflower seeds and white proso millet, will attract most common seed-eating birds. These two seeds should be the main seeds in your feeders. I always choose sunflower seeds over any seeds because I find that the majority of all birds love them. To broaden the diversity of birds visiting your feeders, add species-specific seeds such as red proso millet, black- and gray-striped sunflower seeds, Niger thistle and milo (for goldfinches, pine siskins purple finches, chickadees and white tufted titmice). Although as I said, in most cases they all love black sunflower seeds. You do not have to spend a fortune on feeders, although a lot of them are rather expensive and look very nice, the birds certainly do not care what they look like,for a few dollars you can get a great little feeder.
Beef suet helps birds maintain their body heat in cold weather. Hang plastic mesh bags of suet or pinecones dipped in melted suet from tree limbs. Woodpeckers are particularly appreciative of this treat.

Water
An ideal water source for birds should be about three inches deep and three feet off the ground. Motion and sound will grab a bird's attention. Fountains and waterfalls are favorite hangouts for songbirds.Placing the water by the feeders can be convient for both the birds and yourself because the birds can easliy find it due to the fact it is near their food, while on the other hand you will always rememeber to water and feed them at the same time.

Shelter
Birds need shelter to protect them from the elements and allow them to hide from predators. Dense, twiggy shrubs and evergreens are the shelter of choice for most birds. I had a 50 foot long tea rose shrub and they seemed to love that very much so. The doves love the berries off it,however;they are so delicate they will not attempt to get them,therefore; I would normally scatter some around for them.

Nesting Sites
Different species of birds have different nesting requirements, and you can find ready-made bird houses or build-it-yourself plans for almost every species of bird. Choose birdhouses that are weather resistant and have a pitched roof to shed rain. There should be holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage. A hinged or removable roof is a bonus for you because it makes cleaning much easier. The birdhouse should be cleaned after each nesting season. When hanging your birdhouse, position the entrance hole away from prevailing winds.

That is it for today, I hope this was useful.
Until the next time, happy gardening!