Cruising for Birds
May 1st 2006 05:04
Cruising for Birds
Now I know most of us live in the cities these days. Even so, don't get discoraged from encouraging some wildlife to come into your garden space, however humble it may be.
You can transform your ramshackle, ghost-town backyard (tumble-weeds and all), into an environmental delight. And just think how intelligent you'll sound when you start rattling off bird names....'that's a Chirping Sparrow, that's a Roselle' etc.. etc..)
Birds are excelllent. (No, really, they are, I mean it!)
It's just the starting point in an endless world of exploration into the local wildlife in your area. Up until now (yes, even in the cities) there has been a whole universe of beautiful (and some ugly) creatures that have hithero gone unnoticed by yourself).
Birds are only the beginning. We'll start wid 'da bird.
So how do we do it? Here's a few ideas....
1. Water Features
Easy. These can range from commercial fountains you may have seen in nurseries, to a simple saucer. Keep the water shallow (no more than 7cm (they freak out about the deep end).
Be patient. It takes time for them to figure out a regular source. Visiting will also vary with migration patterns.
2. Varying Vegetation
Birds like variety. It depends on the species as to what type of bush they like to hang out in. If you're planting (or even want to make some simple additions to your back yard, a little variance can go a long way.
Go for multi-level vegetation. Trees ranging from small shrubs, to large trees will provide the cover needed for that anxious sparrow or two who just want to feel part of the scene.
Native plants are also an excellent choice.
3. Food
Birds are capable of feeding themselves, but you can still provide the extra meal or two. Bird Feeders are cool, and relatively inexpensive. Ask your local pet-store about what type of seed to use, as different birds are into different seeds.
And don't go nuts about pesticides in your garden (unless it is really horrendous). Chemicals such as this may kill the bugs (temporarily only), but they discourage bugs as a food source for the birds.
See how easy it is? You'll be picking up chicks in no time.
Now I know most of us live in the cities these days. Even so, don't get discoraged from encouraging some wildlife to come into your garden space, however humble it may be.
You can transform your ramshackle, ghost-town backyard (tumble-weeds and all), into an environmental delight. And just think how intelligent you'll sound when you start rattling off bird names....'that's a Chirping Sparrow, that's a Roselle' etc.. etc..)
It's just the starting point in an endless world of exploration into the local wildlife in your area. Up until now (yes, even in the cities) there has been a whole universe of beautiful (and some ugly) creatures that have hithero gone unnoticed by yourself).
Birds are only the beginning. We'll start wid 'da bird.
So how do we do it? Here's a few ideas....
1. Water Features
Easy. These can range from commercial fountains you may have seen in nurseries, to a simple saucer. Keep the water shallow (no more than 7cm (they freak out about the deep end).
Be patient. It takes time for them to figure out a regular source. Visiting will also vary with migration patterns.
Birds like variety. It depends on the species as to what type of bush they like to hang out in. If you're planting (or even want to make some simple additions to your back yard, a little variance can go a long way.
Go for multi-level vegetation. Trees ranging from small shrubs, to large trees will provide the cover needed for that anxious sparrow or two who just want to feel part of the scene.
Native plants are also an excellent choice.
3. Food
Birds are capable of feeding themselves, but you can still provide the extra meal or two. Bird Feeders are cool, and relatively inexpensive. Ask your local pet-store about what type of seed to use, as different birds are into different seeds.
And don't go nuts about pesticides in your garden (unless it is really horrendous). Chemicals such as this may kill the bugs (temporarily only), but they discourage bugs as a food source for the birds.
See how easy it is? You'll be picking up chicks in no time.
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