Jul 14th, 2010
Making A Natural Backyard Bird Habitat
If you are a lover of birds, chances are that you would love to provide them with a healthy backyard bird habitat. Not only will the birds enjoy what you provide for them, but you will be able to enjoy listening to their singing and watching their intriguing activities. In actuality, it is not that difficult to create a good habitat for birds. After all, they essentially only need the things that we need: food, water and shelter. If you provide those three things in your backyard, then you will soon have a family of birds living with you that will certainly provide much pleasure and entertainment to your days.
Offering a variety of food is best. Many birds enjoy eating insects; they may also enjoy fruits and nuts. You can provide some of these things for them, but it could be costly over a long period of time. It is best if you would plant trees and other plants that offer the food they like to eat. Some suggestions are oak trees, cranberry bushes and sunflowers. Bird Feeders are another way to provide for the birds. There are different types of feeders and seeds to fill them. Large birds enjoy a platform feeder. These will hold fruits and nuts as well as seed.
Don’t forget that they will need a water supply close by. It is wonderful if you have a natural stream or creek, but not all of us do. Man-made ponds are great too. But most of us rely on bird baths and fountains. Due to predators, always a problem, you will need to position these in an open area so they can be on watch at all time.
The last item of need is shelter. It is great if you have a lot of trees and shrubs. But, aside from that you can provide bird houses. You can’t just put them anywhere. Birds are territorial and may fight for their domain. Be sure to place them far enough apart to assure that your birds have a happy nesting experience. Not all the same birds use the same houses. Be sure to research each house you hope to provide. Some may like to be in the open on a fence post close to the ground. Blue Birds will enjoy that.
Birding is fun. So let’s make it a good experience by creating the most natural backyard bird habitat possible.
Molly has been writing about birds for over 10 years. Please visit her latest website about backyard birds at Best Bird Feeders, with information about platform bird feeders, as well as many more interesting backyard bird discussions.