At least ten benefits can be derived from landscaping to
attract birds to your yard:
* Increased Wildlife Populations
You can probably double the number of bird species using
your property with a good landscaping plan.
* Energy Conservation
By carefully arranging your conifer and hardwood trees,
you can lower winter heating and summer cooling bills for your house.
* Soil Conservation
Certain landscape plants can prevent soil erosion.
* Natural Beauty
A good landscaping plan will contribute to a beautiful,
natural setting around your home that is pleasing to people as well as
birds.
* Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography is a wonderful hobby for people of
all ages.
* Birdwatching
A fun hobby is to keep a list of all the birds seen in
your yard or from your yard. Some people have counted over 190 species
of birds in their yard!
* Natural Insect Control
Birds such as tree swallows, house wrens, brown
thrashers, and orioles eat a variety of insects.
* Food Production
Some plants that attract wildlife are also appealing to
people. Cherries, chokecherries, strawberries, and crabapples can be
shared by people and wildlife.
* Property Value
A good landscaping plan can greatly increase the value
of your property by adding natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife.
* Habitat for Kids
Some of the best wildlife habitats are the best
"habitats" for young people to discover the wonders of nature. A
backyard habitat can stimulate young people to develop a lifelong
interest in wildlife and conservation.
BASICS OF LANDSCAPING FOR BIRDS
Landscaping for birds involves nine basic principles:
* Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements,
and these may change as the bird matures and as the seasons change.
Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the
appropriate trees, shrubs, or flowers that will provide the fruits,
berries, grains, seeds, acorns, nuts, or nectar.
* Water
You can probably double the number of bird species in
your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or
bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is
dripping, splashing, or moving.
* Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and
escape from severe weather. Trees (including hollow ones), shrubs, tall
grass, and bird houses provide excellent shelter.
* Diversity
The best landscaping plan is one that includes a wide
variety of plants. This helps attract a greater number of bird species.
* Four Seasons
It is necessary to provide birds with food and shelter
during all four seasons of the year. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers
that will provide year-round food and shelter.
* Arrangement
Habitat components need to be properly arranged.
Consider the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your
yard will be protected from harsh winter weather.
* Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality.
When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider
their accessibility to predators.
Picture windows can be death traps for birds. A network
of parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the
outside of windows to prevent this problem.
You also should be cautious about the kinds of
herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. They should be applied only
when necessary and strictly according to label instructions.
* Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, consult
a plant hardiness zone map (they are in most garden catalogues). Make
sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone
classification of your area.
* Soils and Topography
Consult with your local garden center, university, or
county extension office to have a soil test done for your yard. Plant
species are often adapted to certain types of soils. By knowing what
type of soil you have, you can identify the types of plants that should
grow best in your yard.
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