by
Glenn Davis, El Dorado County Master Gardener
Almost every garden is enhanced by the
presence of birds. In addition to
providing a garden with sound and color they can also help to control the
insect population. To attract birds to
a garden a few simple needs should be addressed.
Early in the spring birds start to select
mates. Usually you will see a lot of
wing movement and sometimes the male, normally the most colorful of the pair,
can be seen feeding the female. This
pair will establish a territory and a nest site and start their nest building
activities.
Since birds are very cautions, they need areas to hide and protect themselves. They also need nesting areas that are not easy for predators to reach and that protect the nest from the elements. Some birds’ nest high in the trees; some birds’ nest at ground level and some nest in thickets or shrubs. If you want to locate a birdhouse in your garden try and consider the bird’s needs and the needs of the young once they are able to leave the nest. Occasionally birds’ nest on buildings, on rock overhangs, or even under freeway overpasses. Nests can be constructed of almost anything; some of the contents used are twigs, moss, feathers, leaves, grass, mud, lint or fur. From time to time we omit the anti-static spray from the dryer and make the lint from the washing available for next building.
If the nest construction is successful
and the results are a home for some young, the female will assume most of the
responsibility for the nest care.
Initially the male will bring material to the nest; later he will
provide some of the food for the female.
It is important that activities outside the nest do not frighten the
female; her eggs need to be maintained at a constant temperature. Once the young have hatched both parents
spend most of their time feeding them.
Once the young are out of the nest the young will follow the parents and
can frequently be seen in the late spring perched behind the parent with flapping
wings and an open bill. This will go on
for a few weeks and then the young will start their own lives.
Birds are attracted to water, both to
replenish their liquids and to bath.
The sound of trickling water, or a sprinkler will draw them to an
area. Bird- baths, while used, are not
as popular. If you want to increase the
use of a bird bath try and find a way for the water to make a sound, perhaps
allowing a hose to drip into it or putting a drip emitter near the edge. Any water feature though will be beneficial
to your bird population and having it close to the nesting site and roosting
area is a big plus.
Most of us are familiar with the Robin
and the worm; however, bird feeding habits are much more sophisticated. Birds eat a lot of insects, seeds, berries,
spiders, nuts, grass and of course worms.
Some feed on the ground collecting seeds and insects; some catch insects
on the fly, some collect insects in the bark or beneath the bark of a tree,
some hover and dive on small animals; some collect and store for later use and
some use bird feeders almost exclusively.
There are swimmers, divers, fishers and scavengers out there that may
occasionally visit a part of your garden or neighborhood. For a good healthy bird population a variety
of food sources is best.
Birds have survived on native plants for
a long time; if you are thinking of planting to attract birds, think of native
plants first. A complete list of plants
that provide food and shelter for birds would be too long for this article,
however an abbreviated list will get you started. Here are some suggested plants to consider.
TREES: Oak, Dogwood, Elderberry, Huckleberry,
Holly, Pine, Fir, Aspen, Cottonwood, Madrone.
SHRUBS: Oregon Grape, Manzanita, Toyon,,, Blackberries,
Buckthorn, and California Rose.
FLOWERS: Aster, Bachelor’s Buttons, Calendula,
Poppies, Chrysanthemum, Columbine, Cornflower, Cosmos, Lobelia, Marigolds,
Penstemon, Phlox, Portulaca, Verbena and Zinnia.
This is not a complete list by any standard,
however, our local libraries have some great books on birds and county resource
and conservation departments have information on habitat and homes. Another good source of information may be
local pet stores and nurseries.
Probably the best way to learn about birds is to observe those in your
yard, try and identify them, watch their movement and activities and what
they’re feeding on. This may require
you to sit very still and be very quiet which are two of the great benefits of
birdwatching.