Attracting Birds

Birds need WATER, FOOD and SHELTER. Whatever size your
property - and your budget - you can help meet their needs and enliven
your yard. These are some of the ways you can provide, WATER,
FOOD and SHELTER in the natural surroundings of your yard.

WATER

Birds need water for drinking and bathing. If your resources are unlimited,
you can add a pond to your landscape. Short of that, you can buy a bird
bath or put a shallow dish of water in your yard. A large plastic plant
saucer works well. Here are some things to remember.

The water should be less than 2" deep, at least in part, so the birds can
bathe. Birds will drink at ground level, but putting their water up on a
pedestal or stump, or hanging it from a tree limb, gives them a better view
of predators. A quick escape route from predators - such as an
overhanging branch or a nearby bush - is essential.

The water should always be clean; regular scrubbing is required. Ponds
should be placed in sunny locations, bird baths in shady ones. Birds are
attracted to running water. If you can, hand a dripping hose or bucket
over the water source, and conserve water with a recirculating pump.

FOOD

Birds need a variety of foods depending on the season. Some birds arrive
with the first spring caterpillars, and find them a succulent source of
protein. Berries provide carbohydrates and fats, especially in the late
summer and fall. Try to:

� Plant a wide variety of fruiting and flowering plants, plants that bloom or
bear fruit from early spring through late fall.

� Include plants that attract insects. Oaks, hickories and maples are good
choices, as well as any type of rotting wood.

� Use natives. Native plants are well-adapted to local soils and climates
and require less water, fertilizer and pest control. The also offer the best
overall food sources, and birds will help to disperse their seeds.

Use bird Feeders around your garden. Different species of birds require
different types of feed.

SHELTER

Shelter includes nesting places that protect birds from predators such as
hawks and cats, and from harsh weather. Evergreen trees, shrubs and
thick brush piles provide good cover. You can also place bird house
around your garden. Place them at least 8 feet high. Some types like to
nest in open areas like bluebirds so place their houses on ploes in an open
area.

HOW TO START

Figure out what you have and what you want. Map your yard on graph
paper, and have your soil tested, before you change the landscape.
Reduce the size of your lawn. Lawns are of little use to wildlife and they
require extra water, fertilizer and pesticides. Cluster plants, taking into
account their full-grown size and need for light. Value trees, including
some dead trees, and take a long-range view. Some small, quickly
accomplished projects such as adding a bird bath to the garden will make
a big difference, but landscaping for wildlife can become a rewarding, life-
long project.