Backyard Bird Sanctuary

Birds make us happy. We love listening to their songs and watching them build their nests. You can make a bird sanctuary in your own backyard by creating a habitat that will entice birds to come and live in your garden. Like most creatures, birds need just a few essentials: food, water, shelter and a place to build their nests and raise their young. A bird-friendly garden will provide all those, plus hours of enjoyment and beauty for you.

There’s no right or wrong way to feed wild birds. You can hang bird feeders in your garden, or you can plant bird-friendly plants and flowers that will provide the food that birds need. A little research on the local birds of your area will give you the information that you need to decide which plants will provide the seeds, nuts, berries, and fruit that birds crave. Birds need water and are attracted to the sound of running water. However, a simple bird bath will do if you don’t have a more elaborate system. Birds have many predators. A variety of thick shrubs, and different size trees with lots of branches will provide your birds with shelter not only from predators, but the weather as well. Bird houses and dead trees offer birds an ideal place to raise their young.

Finally, consider growing an organic garden free of pesticides. Use your backyard birds as your first line of pest control. Birds will eat those insects for you, and will try to eat just about anything else in your garden, too, so avoid the granular chemicals. If you provide your backyard birds with a safe and welcoming habitat, they will provide you with hours of bird-watching enjoyment.