Few sounds can rival the beauty of birds singing outside your window. That's right. Birds have a contagious ability to make us feel happy and cheerful through their beautiful songs and jolly chirps.
In fact, studies have shown that birdsong can help reduce stress and boost happiness! That's because when birds sing, we know that the world around us is ok and we can relax. Now, unfortunately, ramping urbanization has led to habitat loss and, therefore, the extinction or jeopardy of many species.
Wondering how you can help protect these incredible animals? Here are six ways to turn your garden into a bird oasis so you can enjoy their sweet, soothing, and melodic songs for years to come.
1. Plant Nutritious Native Plants And Shrubs
If you want to draw beautiful songbirds into your garden, you need to provide them with food all year round. What better way to achieve this than by planting native shrubs, trees, and vines?
Planting a multi-layer landscape with a wide range of plants will ensure that the songbird's food needs are met throughout the year. Some of the best practices include planting native trees and shrubs along your property edge and mixing up the type of native plants you're incorporating into your landscaping.
To help you design the perfect bird-friendly garden, here are ten plants that will instantly attract songbirds:
Sunflowers:
Sunflowers will attract a high number of pollinators which in turn will allow insectivorous (insect eating) birds to have a feast! Other birds, like Hummingbirds or American Goldfinch, will directly indulge in the seed from the flower itself.
Cornflowers:
Cornflowers are a favorite among birds and butterflies. Coveted for anything from their foliage and sap to their seeds and nectar, these beautiful flowers will be sure to draw a lot of songbirds to your garden.
Virginia Creeper:
This gorgeous type of vine is an abundant food source for songbirds during winter. When the leaves turn scarlet in autumn, the birds will be attracted to the leaves and feast on the delicious blue black berries that the vine produces.
Flowering Dogwood:
Not only will the beautiful flowers of your Flowering Dogwood add a pop of color to your garden in spring, but they're also a great source of food for insects providing them with nectar. A garden filled with pollinators means that you'll be able to easily attract songbirds.
2. Provide Shelter For The Songbirds
Trees and shrubs aren't just a food source for songbirds. They can also provide a welcome shelter from storms or heavy rainy days. They are also a way for songbirds to hide from predators. For instance, thorny species such as hawthorn offer birds protective perches to protect nests and nestlings.
Also, planting some dense evergreens will provide songbirds with winter cover. Think of tree species such as yew, spruce, or even juniper.
3. Install Bird Feeders and Bird Houses In Your Garden
Install a couple of bird feeders and birdhouses around your garden, and you'll soon see gorgeous songbirds flock to your garden and deliver their melodious songs outside your window!
However, note that for these to consistently draw birds into your garden, you need to maintain them. So, it's essential to clean them regularly to prevent disease-causing bacteria. Decomposing seeds, mold, and bird droppings accumulating on feeder trays can make the birds sick and spread highly infectious diseases.
Also, make sure to repair them at the end of winter, just before nesting season, so that the birds can comfortably set up their nests.
4. Avoid Using Chemical Products Such As Herbicides Or Pesticides
Some non-organic pesticides and herbicides can kill birds and any other insects that could be a precious food source for songbirds. These chemicals tend to harm wildlife and should, therefore, never be used if you want to attract songbirds to your garden.
So, instead of relying on chemical-based products, opt for biological pest control. One of the most efficient approaches to biological pest control is introducing natural enemies to the pest.
Also, when it comes to weeds, instead of spraying them with harmful products, pull them out when they're small. This will prevent them from going to seed and make it easier for you to keep your weed situation under control.
5. Provide Songbirds With A Bird Bath
One of the easiest and most effective ways to attract songbirds to your garden is to provide them with a bird bath! Place your bird bath close to protective native plants and shrubs so birds can drink, bathe and cool down in the shade on hot summer days.
As a best practice, you should only fill up your bird bath with 1 or 2 inches of water. If you can create a dripping effect, as this will lure tons of songbirds!
And just like with the bird feeders and birdhouses, clean the bird bath once a week with a scrubbing brush to remove droppings, algae, and debris.
6. Keep Your Cats Indoors
Did you know that cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds every year? And that the average house cat kills two birds every week? That's right! Unfortunately, they can't help it. It's their natural instinct.
This is also a general safety tip for your cat as well. Indoor cats tend to live longer and also eliminates the risks of car strikes, and contact with other dangerous wildlife. That's why you need to keep your felines indoors if you want to attract songbirds to your garden and help protect endangered bird species.
Go Feed the Birds!
Implementing these simple tips will allow you to create a bustling garden ready to house, feed, shelter, and protect these stunning birds. All you need to do now is sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful sight of these perching birds and the sounds of their sweet melody filling your outdoor area.
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