7 things you must do in your garden in order to attract garden birds

Gardens full of birds mean a healthy ecosystem, as well. Besides their lovely songs and vibrant colors, birds perform an array of services for the ecosystem, such as pest reduction, pollination, and increasing biodiversity. However, bird attraction requires more effort than planting a few green plants in the garden. As professionals point out, the best way to attract birds consists in providing food, water, safe places to hide, and places for nesting. By adding several items to the garden, it can become a great place for various birds to visit all year round.

Water attracts birds very much, especially when the weather gets hot and dry. Placing a birdbath, water bowl, or a tiny fountain in the garden will help to invite more birds. Clean water is extremely important for the birds, both for drinking and bathing. Professionals advise changing the water frequently in order to avoid algae and bacterial development. Even a small bowl with fresh water can significantly increase the number of birds coming to the garden.

The most favourable environment for birds consists of native vegetation as birds are able to recognize and benefit from native plants. Shrubs, fruiting plants, and other native vegetation provide seeds, fruits, insects, and nectar to the birds. At the same time, such plants support the local ecosystem by attracting bees and butterflies. Those gardeners who plant native plants usually have many different kinds of birds coming to their gardens.

One more thing that needs to be considered about birds is providing them with feeders. There exist various types of feeders depending on the type of food preferred by specific birds. Thus, there may be different bird seed feeders, grain feeders, nut feeders, etc. They need to be washed frequently in order to ensure the safety and health of the birds. Also, it is necessary to install them in safe places for birds to be fed safely.

Birds need to have places to rest from bad weather conditions or predators. Shrubs, bushes, and even small trees can be used as places of protection, where birds can feel secure. The existence of layers of vegetation increases the chance of finding a good place for a bird to stay in. Gardens with different vegetation types allow birds to choose a place depending on their needs.

An ideal garden is perfect from humans' point of view, yet birds need some natural zones in the garden as well. Such areas can include small piles of leaves and branches, wildflowers, and other plants where insects can live. Insects provide a good source of food for many kinds of birds. Additionally, natural zones give the opportunity to use some plant elements for nest creation.

The use of birdhouses and nesting boxes in the garden ensures that there is a safe place for birds to breed. It is essential to pay attention to the sizes of nesting boxes since different birds require particular sizes and entrance holes. Apart from nesting boxes, gardeners can provide the birds with twigs, grass, and other items that can be used in nest construction.

There is one more method that can attract birds to the garden, and it includes avoiding the use of chemicals and pesticides. The fact is that birds need to eat insects to breed and nourish themselves during the breeding period. Therefore, reducing the amount of chemicals decreases the number of insects and makes the environment less suitable for birds.