Other than reading, cooking, painting, drawing, playing tennis and writing blogs about retirement, I spend a great deal of my time – weather permitting – looking after my flower-filled patio and watching the birds compete for a spot at the several bird feeders I keep stocked with their favourite seeds.
I’m also a connoisseur of books about birds and use them as field guides in support of my bird-watching activities. As part of that personal enthusiasm, I’m always quick to pick up and read articles about our feathered friends and their habits, which helps me maximize the impact of my bird-friendly patio along with the adjoining community backyard of our condo. Very relaxing!
In an effort to render my patio and adjoining back yard as bird friendly as possible, I adhere to the following guidelines:
Install a Bird Feeder or Two
Consider a squirrel-proof bird feeder if you’re trying to just feed birds as they’re good at keeping anything larger out. Buy the best you can afford. I swear by the SquirrelBuster, because, despite their many attempts to overpower it, the neighbourhood squirrels have failed miserably and that’s going on 16 years. Put out a couple with different seeds to attract a wider variety of species.
Position feeders high enough up that cats cannot jump up and attack the birds while they eat. It’s important to ensure they’re also hung out at a distance from windows to reduce the chances of a bird flying into the glass.
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds are not only fascinating to watch, but are also extremely territorial and will fight others from using “their” feeder. If this happens, simply place another feeder elsewhere in the vicinity but out of the sightline of feeder number one. Fill the feeders with a simple solution of 1/4 C white sugar to 1 Cup hot water; stir until dissolved. Please, NO red food colouring.
Having an active hummingbird feeder as we do is a wonderful addition to any patio and/or backyard. By planting flowering plants they like you’ll enjoy greater success in attracting them to your property. Here’s a few examples of what to plant – just be sure they’re hardy for your zone:
- Hibiscus
- Salvia
- Rhododendron
- Red Cardinal Flower
- Columbine
- Bee Balm
- Trumpet Honeysuckle
Include a Water Source
All birds need water for drinking and bathing. So, putting out a birdbath can attract a variety of birds whose antics in the bath can be quite amusing. Keep in mind, birds like water with movement so adding something like a fountain or bubbler may prove to be especially attractive. Also set out a rimmed dish with fresh water that can be easily washed daily. Include a perch for them to land on when they’re looking for a drink.
Provide Shelter
Birds need some type of shelter that they can quickly dart back and forth to at the slightest sign of danger, especially from cats. Other than acting as a retreat, a birdhouse can provide – for example – cavity-nesting birds a place to build nests and lay their eggs. Dense shrubs and bushes offer nesting opportunities too.
Reduce Empty Lawn Space
Big empty spaces don’t do much for birds. Birds like lots of vegetation and plant life, so widen flower beds, expand the garden wherever possible and create islands of flowers, shrubs, ornamental grasses and vegetation. Birds seek cover. When you provide it, they will come.
Go Organic
In order to enjoy the beauty that birds bring to our patio and adjacent yard, there are things we can do to make our property more hospitable to them. One important one is to only use organic fertilizers and practice non-toxic lawn care. Each year over 60 million birds die as a result of exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Keep Pets Indoors
Cats especially are known for chasing birds. Some people have indoor/outdoor cats, or even just outdoor, and that’s fine but keep in mind birds are very skittish, nervous and vulnerable creatures that may not take kindly to nearby predators like house cats. And let’s face it, outdoor cats are going to kill some of your backyard birds. If you can’t, or won’t, keep your cat indoors, at least have them wear a breakaway collar with a bell. You’ll dramatically reduce the bird homicide rate.
There’s No Place like Home
Once you’ve implemented some of these methods it may take some time for the word to get out that your home’s patio/yard is offering a nice hangout for birds, but once it does, they’ll return year after year, or in some cases, stay throughout the winter months too.
Having some of these beautiful creatures visiting or living in your backyard is a very rewarding experience. Simply hearing their pretty songs and chirps makes sitting outdoors a pleasure – especially early morning or around six in the evening when they arrive punctually for dinner and a drink at their preferred bistro!
By creating a bird-friendly environment and providing a safe place for them to raise their young, you’re helping their species survive. It’s a nice feeling!