Tips to Attract Native Birds
Different shades of green with splashes of bright colors can create a beautiful garden that’s inviting but the highlight of a garden setting is the presence of wildlife, there’s just something about wildlife that causes a garden to come alive. Besides being entertaining (singing) as we watch them in their natural habitat birds provides natural control of insects known as biological control.
Attracting native birds to your garden requires knowing what will get their attention, including in your garden what native birds love will attract them like a magnet, we will be discussing what to include so your garden can be teeming with birds.
1. Install Native Plants
The first step in the right direction when seeking to attract native birds is the installation of native plants, native plants are not only easy to care for but can provide food year-round for native birds along with encouraging biodiversity which helps in promoting the ecosystem. Besides flowering plants include shrubs and evergreen trees that will provide coverage all season long. However, lots of bright-colored flowering plants will attract native birds, along with plants that are fruit-bearing and plants that produce nectar.
2 . The Benefits of Dead Trees
If there is a dead tree in your garden that is not a hazard to your safety then allow it to remain, a dead tree cavity can be used as a dwelling place for birds to raise their young. Birds can also use these cavities as a refuge or hiding place from the elements including bad weather. A dead tree will also encourage much insect activity that is a food source for native birds.
3. The Use of a Brush Pile
Providing a brush pile can become a nesting place for birds, a place to roost or even hunt, a brush pile can be constructed with small branches and large logs.
4. Providing a Water Source
The use of a trough or bird bath will constantly provide water for birds, the bird bath or trough should be located several feet away from shrubs and other dense plants that predators use to seek shade and as a hiding place. During the summer months, the water in the bird bath should be changed at least every 3 days. During the winter month, a heater should be used to prevent the water from freezing.
5. Avoid Using Insecticides
Insecticides are a great way to control insect pests but when seeking to encourage wildlife into your garden avoid the use of insecticides because insecticides will not only kill off insects that serve as a food source but can poison wildlife.
6. Bird Feeders
Adding a bird feeder is a great way to ensure that you’re feathered friends won’t go hungry when food scares. Make sure that bird feeders are high where predators cannot cause harm to birds. The feeders can be hung from a branch or other tall structure, some bird foods that can be purchased are white proso millet, sunflower, shelled and crack corn, safflower, peanuts, nyjer or thistle, flax, red millet, golden millet, white proso millet, etc…
The best feeders to use are those without perches, feeders that have perches can act as a handle encouraging raccoons, squirrels, and a landing place for hawks. Use birdfeeders with plastic or metal poles, this makes it difficult for animals to climb. Use a birdhouse and a feeder that only allows access to native birds.
7. Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes are great for birds to nest, shelter, or roost, these boxes make birds feel right at home especially if you add plastic pads, pine shavings, or chopped straw. Ensure the nesting boxes has ventilation holes at the top and drainage holes at the bottom.
8. Leaf Litter
There is nothing more beautiful than a garden that’s well maintained but a key to encouraging insects to your garden (food source for birds) is to allow some of that leaf litter to remain. Insects love to use leaf litter as shelter, leaf litter will attract insects. ( moths, beetles, and spiders).
Names of some Common Native Plants for Native Birds
- Sunflower
- Goldenrod
- Cardinal flower
- Black-eyed-Susan
- Hollies
- Honeysuckle
- Coneflower
- Milkweed
- Elderberry
- Serviceberry
- American beautyberry
- Winterberry
- Trumpet honeysuckle
- New England aster
Additional information
- For those of you who have domestic pets such as a dog or a cat ensure they are far away from that part of the garden where birds are because domestic pets can injure or kill native birds
- Sterilize the bird feeders regularly along with the removal of moldy seeds will discourage disease including its spread which is not good for birds’ health
- Clean the birdbath regularly to discourage bacteria buildup
The final word on how to attract native birds to your garden
Attracting native birds to your garden is a great way to connect with nature, your efforts will be rewarding by helping native birds to settle down in their man-made habitat ( your garden) as they provide lots of fun along with education for kids. I believe we should do all that we can to make our gardens a place for wildlife (native birds) that will help in bringing balance to the ecosystem as we help wildlife to feel right at home.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
One of the secrets to health and a balanced mindset is connecting with nature. Animals and birds are good elements to help us connect with nature. Thank you for highlighting the several ways we can attract birds to our environment. I started by planting mangoes trees in my compound. I used to dispose of dead trees. But going with your advice, I will start keeping harmless dead trees.
You are so right and I am so happy to help, thanks for stopping and sharing!
Absolutely love this post! It’s packed with awesome tips to attract native birds to our gardens. From installing native plants for year-round food to keeping a cozy dead tree for nesting, you’ve got it all covered. Providing a water source, avoiding insecticides, and setting up bird feeders are such thoughtful gestures for our feathered friends. Thanks for these fantastic ideas, can’t wait to see our garden buzzing with life!
I am so happy to help, thanks for your kind words, and all the best of success, please let me know how it goes