You have finally created the garden of your dreams. You have glorious, vibrant flowers and greenery rising from the earth, colorful stakes, perhaps a running fountain - in short, a beautiful oasis to which you can escape and appreciate nature's finest. However, a garden is not complete until Mother Nature makes her contribution. Chirping birds and bright, vivid butterflies create a cheerful atmosphere and enhance the already-stunning garden area. Bird watching from your backyard is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences, and should not be neglected. Whether a gardening enthusiast or just an animal lover, it's easy to attract wildlife to your backyard.
Why do I want to attract birds to my backyard?
Not only is bird watching fun and exciting, but watching the lively little birds flit around your garden and listening to their happy chirps is uplifting. You will feel relaxed and content by simply looking out your window. On the other hand, when you have a stressful day, watching the birds can take your mind off that stress and center you. Over time, you'll learn their personalities and relationships, and they'll feel like an extension of your home.
Personal pleasure aside, creating a haven for birds in your backyard is excellent for the environment. In cities and suburban areas, there are fewer natural nesting areas available to the bird population. By creating a nesting area in your backyard, you can provide the birds with a comfortable territory.
How do I attract the birds?
It can be as simple as hanging a feeder in the garden or outside a window or as elaborate as installing a bird neighborhood. If you choose the latter, provide a wide variety of nesting areas placed far enough apart to give each family its space. There are some great products out there to enhance the garden, from edible bird houses and decorative bird baths to deluxe stackable bird houses designed to hold an entire colony of birds. If traditional bird houses do not fit your garden or your taste, there are ornamental bird houses to fit any preference and still provide the same haven to birds. Help the birds stay warmer in cooler temperatures with a heated bird bath. You can even combine these elements with perches and bird feeders for an area that is truly home to the birds. The possibilities are endless, and with every addition you'll attract more birds.
If you want to pique the interest of a particular species, fill bird feeders with food labeled specifically for that species. You can also find birdhouses made to be pleasing to certain varieties. If you create several separate areas for the birds, you can invite many different species, all enjoyable. Attract wildlife other than birds; there are some great sites out there that have a comprehensive collection of garden accessories that attract birds, bats, squirrels, and butterflies.
Imagine the scenario: you go to sit in your garden with your favorite book. It is sunny and warm outside with a nice, cool breeze. You set your sweet iced tea on the patio table and notice the beautiful birds darting in and out of the branches, playing tag with one another. The soothing noises of their musical chirps will accompany your reading and create the perfect getaway (without you having to actually go anywhere). By creating a haven for the birds, you'll create a garden oasis for yourself.
