Bruno Pugh
Imagine waking to a symphony of birdsong or catching a glimpse of vibrant feathers flitting amongst your garden blooms. Turning your outdoor space into a haven for feathered friends doesn’t have to be complicated! We’ll show you how to do it in these 15 ways, including providing them with food, water, shelter, and nesting sites.
Plant native trees and shrubs
Native plants offer shelter and nourishment for birds that have coevolved with them. In most cases, they are more resistant to pests and diseases, so you’ll need to use fewer pesticides that can harm birds.
Plant a variety of plants
Planting various plants that flower, fruit, and seed at different times throughout the year means there’s always something yummy for the birds to enjoy. In the spring, birds love the nectar in flowers and the little bugs that come to visit. Summer brings tasty fruits and berries. Fall offers a harvest of seeds, and some winter fruits like crabapples can keep the birds happy even in the colder months.
Let some of your plants go to seed
Countless plants produce seeds that birds enjoy. Leaving some of your plants to go to seed is a great way to provide a natural food source for birds without spending any extra money. They’ll love feasting on the seeds and helping to spread these plants around your garden.
Add a birdbath
A birdbath provides birds with a place to cool down, preen their feathers, and bathe. Like us, birds need to keep clean and healthy, and a birdbath is essential to their daily routine. Keep them clean and filled with fresh water, especially during the hot summer.
Put up bird feeders
Bird feeders can be a great way to supplement natural sources, especially during the winter months when food can be scarce. Choose feeders that offer a variety of seeds to attract different types of birds.
Provide shelter for birds
Birds need protection from threats like elements and predators like hawks and cats. Planting evergreen trees and shrubs with dense foliage creates a haven for birds to nest, roost, and raise their young. You can also put up birdhouses designed for different bird species.
Minimize pesticide use
Pesticides are designed to kill insects, and many of those insects are a vital nourishment source for birds. If you must use them, opt for organic options that are less harmful to birds and other wildlife. There are also countless other ways to control pests in your garden.
Let your lawn grow a little longer
A longer lawn provides a habitat for insects, worms, and grubs that birds feast on. These little guys live in the lower parts of the grass and the soil, and a shorter grass makes them easy pickings for hungry birds. Letting your lawn grow taller creates a haven for these tasty morsels and allows the birds to find a delicious meal.
Create a brush pile
A brush pile is what it sounds like—a collection of branches, leaves, and other yard debris. While it may not look pretty, a brush pile provides valuable protection and nesting sites for birds, small animals, and insects.
Turn off your lights at night
Artificial lights can confuse birds and make it difficult for them at night. This can disrupt their feeding and sleeping patterns and make them more vulnerable to predators. If you have outdoor lights, turn them off at night or use timers to turn them off automatically.
Keep your cat indoors
Domestic cats are predators of birds and can wreak havoc on bird populations if allowed to roam freely outdoors. If you have a cat, making it stay indoors is the best way to protect the birds in your garden.
Offer nesting materials
You can give birds a helping hand by offering them natural nesting materials. Place things like shredded bark, pine needles, twigs, and clumps of fur (collected from pet brushes) in a sheltered location. Birds will appreciate the materials to build their cozy homes.
Plant a vertical garden
Many birds love to forage and nest in higher spaces. Consider planting vines on trellises or using hanging baskets to create a vertical element in your garden. This will provide additional cover and attract birds that prefer to be off the ground.
Get involved in citizen science
Citizen science projects are a great way to learn about the birds in your area and contribute to valuable scientific research. These projects often involve activities like counting birds in your backyard or tracking their movements throughout the year. The data collected from citizen science projects helps scientists better understand bird populations and develop conservation strategies.
Educate yourself
Many resources are available to help you learn more about creating a bird-friendly garden. You can find information online from reputable websites, at your local library’s gardening section, or by contacting your local chapter of the Audubon Society.
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