15 of 28

Write now Article Tools

Attracting Birds to the Garden

Birds in the garden bring many benefits. Their songs brighten the dullest morning and it is fun to watch them grow, play and search for food. They also eat their share of insects and bugs.

Bird feeders are one way to encourage birds to visit the garden. Homemade and store-bought feeders attract birds equally as long as they can reach the seeds. If a feeder is maintained through winter, it should be continued through summer. The birds depend on it while feeding hungry hatchlings.

Hummingbirds love red flowers, including red tulips, but not everyone can keep enough red flowers in bloom to feed these active birds. This is where feeders come in handy. Various types, including ones that stick to windows, are available.

The recipe my mother-in-law uses in her hummingbird feeder is two cups of sugar to one cup boiling water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool before adding to the feeder. Store unused portions in the fridge. It is not recommended to use food colouring to make the mixture red and frankly it is not needed. With this mixture, humming birds are constantly dive-bombing my feeder.

Regardless of the types of feeders used, it is important to clean them regularly.

Birds are attracted to plants they can either eat, hide in or nest in. Choosing berry producing plants, especially ones retaining berries throughout the winter, will provide food when the ground is frozen. Trees with berries are mountain ash, chokecherry, service berry and hawthorn. Shrubs producing berries are highbush cranberry, sumac, quince, Russian olive and honeysuckle.

Perennials and annuals attracting hummingbirds are beebalm, hollyhock, fuchsia, delphinium, and columbine. Usually, red flowers with deep throats attract hummingbirds. Many birds will eat sunflowers. Plants also provide a place to nest and to hide from bigger birds, humans, cats and other animals. A mixture of waist-high bushes, evergreen trees and larger trees provide a safe haven for birds.

Many birds take advantage of bird houses, but design is important. Avoid using perches outside the hole. Larger birds can sit and bother smaller birds inside. Small birds will nest in houses with small holes because larger birds cannot enter. To help build their nest, place colourful yarn, string or lint from the dryer in nearby trees.

Birds need water, but only go as far as necessary for a drink or a bath. By adding a bird bath, they will spend more time in the garden and provide entertainment.

A little creativity and work will attract and keep birds interested in your backyard and garden, but interestingly enough, one bird enthusiast had the greatest idea: do nothing. By letting the yard go' and grow into its natural state, birds will naturally flock and take up residence.

Learn more about this author, Diana Tibert.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to attract birds to your backyard?
We want to hear your view. Write now!