2009-02-17 • by Administrator

To some people, there is nothing more joyful than watching colorful birds playing in their garden. Nevertheless, increasing the number of birds that visit your garden involves a little work that not only gives you a healthy hobby, but also might help in saving a number of different species of birds that are dwindling in numbers due to overexploitation!

There are three basic necessities, the fulfillment of which can increase the size of the bird population visiting your garden. These are the most basic requirements that all birds need – food, water and shelter.

Buying and installing bird feeders is one of the easiest ways to attract birds but this is not very effective, especially if the bird population visiting your yard is large.

Planting the right trees is the most obvious way of attracting more birds belonging to various species.  While some birds are attracted by certain varieties of flowers, certain types of fruits attract others.

Providing a large variety of seeds in the garden will also multiply the number of birds visiting your garden.

Planting flowers that provide nectar to birds is also a good idea. Some of the flowers that attract birds include sunflower, poppy, amaranths, zinnias, trumpet vines, goosefoot, etc. Sunflower seeds are rich in proteins and fats and are very healthy for birds. Certain vegetables such as peas, corn and other seeded vegetables, berries such as blueberries, raspberries, etc. also attract a large variety of birds.

Before building a garden for birds there are certain steps to be followed:

1. The first and the most obvious step is, to determine what birds frequent your area.
2. The trees that are planted must be suitable for these birds and should also thrive in the type of soil available and the weather.
3. Once this is done, a basic plan for the garden has to be made.
4. There should be enough spots where the birds can sun themselves and also enough spots that offer shade to them.
5. Bird feeders should be placed at different places to accommodate all the different types of birds.
6. A source of fresh water such as a fountain or a birdbath should be placed where the birds can wash-up and have their fill. The feeders and the birdbaths should be placed far apart so as to not crowd the area.

Once the basic plan is done, the plants and trees should be planted at appropriate spots. The trees, plants, bushes and flowers planted should be able to supply food to the birds all year round to ensure their survival in all seasons. The trees should have a lot of branches that provide cool shade for the birds. Avoid the use of insecticides and herbicides as they could be poisonous and can even kill birds. In addition, many birds feed on insects and therefore killing the insects will cut off their supply of food.

It takes a little hard work and lots of patience before the number of birds visiting your garden increases. However, once this happens, your garden will be transformed into a colorful paradise that could bring you so much peace and joy and a lot of cheerful twittering!