Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation due to human activity is the leading cause of bird population declines. Birdscaping your garden will create an oasis in a desert of development.
My favorite author, Doug Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home) puts the importance of your birdscaped garden this way:
Now, for the first time in its history, gardening has taken on a role that transcends the needs of the gardener. Like it or not, gardeners have become important players in the management of our nation’s wildlife. It is now within the power of individual gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to “make a difference.”
Birdscaping is one of the very few activities that truly follows the motto “If you build it, they will come,” and grants immediate gratification.
I’ve seen proof of this over and over in my work designing and installing wildlife gardens. One day I was installing a long waterfall into a pond because my client wanted to provide a water source for the birds. I was just smoothing the liner into the trench when suddenly there was a Black-throated Green Warbler hopping along the waterfall, even though there was no water yet.
Believe me, I got that liner installed, inserted the rocks to create the waterfall and got the water running in record time! And you will experience this as well when you choose to birdscape your garden.
Here are some tips to help you birdscape your garden:
Feed the birds: Fill up some bird feeders with your feathered friends’ favorite snacks or plant shrubs and trees that produce berries and seeds.
Give them a drink: A bird bath or small pond is a must-have for any bird-friendly garden. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.
Create a cozy home: Set up birdhouses or plant native shrubs that provide great hiding spots for birds to nest and take a break from the world.
Be mindful of chemicals: Pesticides can be harmful to birds, so try to use them sparingly or opt for more natural options.
Plant native vegetation: Native plants not only look great, but they support the entire food chain for birds, from insects to berries.
Add bird-friendly elements: Birdhouses, feeders, baths, and perches are all great additions to any bird-friendly garden. Just make sure to choose natural materials like wood or metal instead of plastic.
Welcome natural predators: Encourage birds, bats, and ladybugs to your garden to control pests and keep your plants healthy.
Observe and enjoy: Take a moment to sit back, relax, and observe the birds in your garden. Snap some photos, keep a journal, and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your own backyard.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a bird-friendly garden that’s both beautiful and functional. Happy gardening!
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