Nov 7, 2004

Backyard Bird Watching – Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Backyard bird watching has been a popular outdoor pastime for ages. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to rest your mind and get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a while. If you haven’t thought of getting into it, or if you simply aren’t sure how to do it, then read on. You’ll see that attracting birds to your yard (and keeping them there) is easier than you thought.

Creating a sanctuary for birds in your yard will mean that your new feathered friends will visit you frequently. In fact, if done properly, many may actually decide to stay and nest right in your garden! This will make garden bird watching a year-round hobby for you and your family.

In order to make this happen, you will want to create an atmosphere that will make any bird feel right at home in your yard. It’s easy to do, as our feathered friends require only three simple things: food, shelter, and water.

Your bird watching experience should begin with ensuring that there is a varied, 365-day-a-year supply of food in your backyard. To do this, plant an assortment of plant species that will provide a variety if foods throughout the year, such as nuts, berries, deciduous and evergreen plants. Also, choose plants that produce food at varied times within the four seasons to ensure that there is a constant source of nourishment.

Before you start planting, take a quick inventory of the greenery you already have growing in your yard. You may be surprised to find that you already have many sources of food for your new feathered guests to enjoy! Once you’ve done that, you’ll be better equipped to plant other species that will provide different sources of food. Keep in mind that a lawn provides very little in the way of nourishment for birds, so it’s best to keep your grassy area to a minimum and plant trees, shrubs and other species of plants in its place.

Gradually Build A Bird Watchers Haven

Transforming your backyard into a bird watching haven will not happen over night. Besides providing an adequate food supply, you should also add a water feature. Birds cannot survive without water and will not continue to visit a yard where water is not present. For this, a bird bath is the best option, as it is favored by songbirds.

Also, providing cover for birds is necessary. Evergreen trees such as white pines, spruce, junipers, cedars, and hollies offer great protection from bad weather. Large deciduous cover plants, brush piles and birdhouses are also an excellent option.

If bird watching is something you’ve been thinking of taking up, then follow these simple steps to creating a bird’s haven in your backyard. It won’t happen overnight, but with a little time and some thought, you’ll soon have a yard full of beautiful feathered friends for your viewing pleasure.

About The Author:
Erin McMillan is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. Erin loves sharing knowledge and education through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Erin McMillan
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com