Few things are more relaxing than sitting in a lawn chair or standing at a window and watching birds frolic around your backyard. They seem to have their own little world, and even appear to be playful at times. It's no wonder that birdwatching has become one of our more popular outdoor leisure activities. By taking a few steps, you can make your backyard landscaping a bird paradise.
Backyard Landscaping for a Bird-friendly Zone
You can make your backyard landscaping bird friendly by providing:
- Space. Birds like an open area where they have a chance to see potential predators approach. They also need to feel that the area is safe.
- Food. Do some research on the types of birds you would like to attract, and what types of food they enjoy. You can provide feeders, flowers, plants, and trees from which the birds can feast. The Federal Citizen Information Center: For the Birds website has good information on what types of food to feed specific birds.
- Water. Birds like fresh water to drink and play in. Keep it shallow, no more than 1 or 2 inches deep, as songbirds can't swim. You might scatter some rocks in it, so they have a place to stand. Keep the water in an open area.
- Cover. Your backyard landscaping should include some trees to provide birds with year-long protection from the elements. Birdhouses are another good idea--the Iowa State University Extension has some suggestions for houses that specific birds prefer.
When your backyard landscaping includes these bird-friendly suggestions, you should be able to pull up a lawn chair and watch your new feathered friends enjoy themselves.
