Nature lovers and birdwatchers around the world recognize the allure of a bird-friendly landscape. The sheer delight of spotting a hummingbird fluttering around a flowering plant or watching a family of sparrows’ forage for seeds is simply unparalleled.

In this guide, we'll explore the intricate relationship between our feathered friends and flowering plants and share some practical tips to create a haven for birds right in your own backyard. 

The Feathered Friends - Birds in Your Backyard

Birds play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. They're excellent pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers. By inviting a variety of bird species into your garden, you're not only creating a sanctuary for these wonderful creatures, but also promoting a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem.

Know Your Birds

The first step to creating a bird-friendly landscape is to identify the bird species native to your area.

Identifying the bird species native to your area can be an exciting and rewarding activity. Here's how to get started:

• Guidebooks:

Bird guidebooks are a great starting point. They often contain detailed descriptions and illustrations or photographs of various bird species. Choose a guidebook that is specific to your region or country for the most relevant information.

• Online Resources:

There are numerous online databases and resources available for bird identification, such as the Audubon Society's online guide and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds guide. These resources typically allow you to search by location to find birds common in your area.

• Birding Apps:

Birding has gone digital, and there are now apps available that can help you identify birds by their appearance and songs. Some popular ones include the Merlin Bird ID App and the Audubon Bird Guide App.

• Local Birdwatching Groups:

Joining a local birdwatching or ornithological group can be incredibly helpful. These groups often organize birdwatching trips, and more experienced members can help you identify local species. They might also offer educational resources like workshops or lectures.

• Nature Centers and Parks:

Many nature centers, parks, and wildlife refuges have information about local bird species. They often provide bird checklists that you can use while exploring.

• Citizen Science Projects:

Participating in citizen science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count or eBird can also help familiarize you with local birds. These projects often provide identification resources and allow you to contribute to important bird research.

• Observe and Listen:

Spend time in your backyard or local park observing birds and listening to their songs. You'll start to recognize common species over time.

Bird identification takes practice, so be patient with yourself. The more time you spend observing birds, the better you'll become at identifying them. Happy birdwatching!

Each species has specific habitat needs, food preferences, and nesting habits. For example, hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers full of nectar, while sparrows prefer seeds and insects.

Once you know the types of birds, you're likely to attract, you can plan your garden accordingly. 

The Flowering Plants - A Feast for Birds

Researching native plants for your area is an important step in creating a sustainable and wildlife-friendly garden. Here are some steps to help you find out which plants are native to your area: 

• Local Extension Service: Many areas have a local Cooperative Extension Service that is affiliated with a university. These organizations often have a wealth of resources for gardening, including information on native plants.
• Native Plant Society: Many regions have a native plant society or organization that offers plant lists, planting guides, and other resources.
• Botanic Gardens or Arboretums: These institutions often feature gardens or collections dedicated to native plants. They may also offer workshops, plant sales, and other resources.
• Online Databases: There are several online databases where you can search for plants native to your area. The Native Plant Database from the National Wildlife Federation, the Native Plant Information Network from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the PLANTS Database from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are all good places to start.
• Books and Field Guides: There are many books and field guide available that focus on native plants. Look for ones that cover your specific region or state.
• Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Some nurseries and garden centers specialize in native plants. Even if they don't, they often carry a selection of natives, and the staff may be able to offer advice.
• Consult with a Professional: If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting with a landscape designer or horticulturalist who specializes in native plants. They can help you design a garden that is beautiful, sustainable, and supports local wildlife.

"Native" means that the plant has evolved in your particular region over a long period of time and is therefore adapted to your climate and soil conditions, and beneficial to your local wildlife.

Select Native Plants

Native plants have evolved alongside local bird species and are well-adapted to your area's soil, climate, and pests. They often require less maintenance and provide the best habitat for birds. Incorporate a variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide a year-round source of food and shelter for birds.

Plant for Diversity

Different birds have different dietary needs throughout the year. Plant a variety of flowering plants that offer nectar, seeds, berries, and insects to attract a diverse range of bird species. Planting species that flower and fruit at different times of the year ensures a steady supply of food.

Creating a Bird-Friendly Landscape

Now that we've covered the basics of the feathered friends and flowering plants, you're likely to encounter, let's dive into the practical steps to create a bird-friendly landscape. 

Provide Food

While flowering plants will provide a lot of food for your bird visitors, consider adding bird feeders to supplement their diet. Ensure you provide the right type of food - nectar feeders for hummingbirds, seed feeders for finches and sparrows, and suet feeders for insect-eating birds. 

Supply Water

Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. A shallow birdbath, like Hummingbird Bubbler Fountain is great for hummingbirds, small birds and wild birds, a pond with a gentle waterfall, or even a simple dish of water can attract more birds to your garden.

Offer Shelter and Nesting Sites

Birds need safe places to rest, hide from predators, and raise their young. Dense shrubs, tall trees, and birdhouses can provide excellent shelter and potential nesting sites. Hummingbirds don’t build nests on birdhouses, but you can provide them with a Nesting Home or Nesting Pod.

Keep Cats Indoors

Cats are a major threat to birds. If you have a cat, keep it indoors, or create a cat-proof outdoor enclosure.

Keeping cats away from birds requires a combination of preventive measures and creating an environment that discourages cats from approaching bird habitats.

Here are some strategies to help you keep cats away from birds:

Secure bird feeders: Place bird feeders in locations that are difficult for cats to access. Hang them high off the ground, at least 6 feet or more, and away from structures that cats can use to climb, like trees or fences. Consider using pole-mounted feeders with baffles to prevent cats from reaching them.

Create barriers: Install physical barriers to prevent cats from accessing bird areas. For example, you can use fencing around bird feeders or garden areas to create a barrier that cats cannot easily cross.

Remove potential hiding spots: Cats are natural predators and tend to hide in vegetation or other areas before pouncing on birds. Trim bushes, shrubs, and tall grasses near bird habitats to reduce hiding places for cats.

Use deterrents: Cats dislike certain scents and textures. You can use natural deterrents such as citrus peels, coffee grounds, or lavender oil around bird feeders or birdhouses. There are also commercial cat repellents available that use motion-activated sprays or ultrasonic frequencies to deter cats. 

Provide a cat-friendly space: If you have a cat at home, make sure to provide them with enough toys, scratching posts, and a comfortable indoor environment. Engaging your cat in play and providing mental stimulation can reduce their hunting instincts and keep them occupied.

Supervise outdoor time: If your cat spends time outdoors, always supervise them to prevent them from approaching bird habitats. You can use a leash or build a secure outdoor enclosure (catio) where they can enjoy fresh air without posing a threat to birds.

Encourage natural deterrents: Attract natural predators of cats, such as owls or hawks, to your area. This can help deter cats and keep them away from bird habitats. However, be mindful of the potential impact on other wildlife and consult with local experts before attempting this method.

Limit Use of Pesticides

Pesticides can harm birds directly or reduce their food supply by killing insects. Try to manage pests naturally and create a balanced ecosystem where pests are kept in check by birds and other predators. 

Conclusion

Creating a bird-friendly landscape is a rewarding endeavor that brings life, color, and music to your garden. It's about building a thriving ecosystem where feathered friends and flowering plants coexist in harmony. So, get started on your bird-friendly garden journey today, and enjoy the endless delights of nature right in your own backyard.