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Why Bother Attracting Birds to Your Garden?

by Susan Nelson Hopkins

Remember when you were just a kid watching a pair of birds build a nest in your backyard? They grabbed your attention... where in the world did they find all that stuff, did they ever take a break, did they finish it?

Or... perhaps you've never experienced this. Well, it's not too late. No, not the tree-climbing part - the bird part.

You don't want to miss one of the great wonders of life on this planet. A little bird's life is truly a wonder... full of concentrated effort and patience and exuberance!

Actually...

Attracting birds to your yard yields unique (and practical) dividends...

Creating a bird garden makes very good sense... you will enjoy these practical and emotional benefits:

Increased property values...

Attractive, established landscaping is highly desirable... and this translates into hard cash. This is what you can expect when designing your landscape to attract birds.

Soil conservation...

Most of the plants that attract birds - like trees, shrubs, and some flowers - also help retain soil and reduce soil erosion. Even the fruits and leaves that fall to the ground provide organic sources of compost and mulch, adding nutrients to the soil.

Natural insect control...

Some birds prefer insects instead of seeds. Beetles, sow bugs, mosquitoes, gnats become tasty appetizers and full course meals! Birds play an integral role in maintaining a healthy garden.

Energy conservation...

Well thought out landscaping translates directly into lower energy bills. Careful placement of trees and shrubs that attract birds not only provides them with shelter, it also protects your home from the elements.

Bird watching...

Did you know this is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States... and I dare say everywhere else. It's probably because birdwatching can be a family activity. You spend quality time outdoors with your family, teaching your children how to enjoy and appreciate nature. Even if it's just you and some friends, you're outdoors.

It's really fun to spot new bird species and add them to your journal. Some folks have counted nearly 200 different species visiting their bird gardens!

Child development...

A bird garden also makes an interesting place for children to play. It can nurture a lifelong love of nature, conservation, and wildlife. Your child becomes a more rounded individual by doing more than just sitting in front of a computer... or the television.

Wildlife photography...

You don't need fancy, professional equipment. Most of the fun is just being outdoors and discovering wildlife... if they would only hold still. Of course, this also feeds another huge hobby... scrap booking. You've got to do something with all those pictures, right?

Natural beauty...

While not necessarily a practical benefit, it's a corner-stone in stress relief. Make your bird garden a beautiful spot, and you'll experience a harmonious state of mind... relaxed, stress-free, happy.

Creating a simple bird garden...

Birds depend on four things to survive, and a successful bird garden supplies all four of them:

• Provide trees and shrubs for shelter and nesting;
• Provide feeders and certain plants for food;
• Provide fountains and bird baths;
• Provide bird houses and nesting platforms.

With a little planning, you and your family and friends can benefit immensely from simply inviting birds to be a part of your landscape... and your life!

And you don't have to climb a tree, either. Just use your  binoculars

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