Transforming Your Backyard Into A Birding Oasis
As the final frost thaws and the first signs of spring begin to emerge; thousands of our feathered friends are already on their way back North. They return each year with one goal in mind: finding a summer home to raise the next generation. While hanging a bird feeder is a great start, the real secret to a bird-filled backyard lies in the landscape and environment that you offer to them. By providing natural forage and a fresh water source you can transform your backyard into a local hotspot, for hungry travellers of the avian variety! Let’s dig into the ways you can roll out the red carpet using Mother Nature’s own toolkit!
Before reaching for the bird seed this spring focus on the “backbone” of a bird-friendly yard: native plants. One of the easiest ways to achieve this, is to simply plant sunflower or coneflower plants in your garden. Echinacea is an excellent choice; it is easy to grow and has the benefit of being a perennial. This means it will be enjoyed for years to come. Another easy to grow perennial that is desired by birds is: Black eyed susans. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in almost any soil condition. Their seeds are enjoyed by many small bird species. My personal favourite flower to add to any garden is wild bergamot (bee balm). This hardy perennial is desired by many pollinators. This past year I had a large group of hummingbird moths as well as hummingbirds visit them!
Native trees and shrubs are a great way to attract a variety of bird species as well as beautify your yard. My recommendation is the serviceberry tree. These beautiful berry trees have tasty fruit that is available early in the season for the migratory species. If you only have room for one tree, plant a serviceberry tree! Another option is dogwood shrubs. They provide berries that are high in fat and produce fruit much later in the summer season. They offer a splash of colour as well as provide a much needed fuel source for the fall migrants. This short list wouldn’t be complete without including mountain ash trees. They have juicy berries that robins cannot resist. These berries do not rot or fall off the tree but stay on the branches for overwintering birds to enjoy! Having all three options creates a fruiting sequence. Serviceberry in the early summer, dogwood in the early fall, and mountain ash for late fall and into winter.
While planting a buffet is essential, providing a birdhouse is one of the best ways to change your yard from a stopover, into a permanent summer residence. Nesting boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are able to be hung and some are best to mount. Wrens are quite easy to attract to a nesting box. The opening on the box is typically 1 inch in diameter and these boxes can be hung from a sturdy branch or even a garden pole. Bluebird boxes are also an excellent pick; these boxes work best when mounted. They usually have a 1.5” diameter hole and can attract a variety of species including: downy woodpecker, chickadees, bluebirds, and tree swallows. In my backyard I have 5 bluebird boxes and every year I get to enjoy tree swallows all throughout the summer!
While food and shelter are the primary draws, clean fresh water is the most underrated secret for a bird-friendly property. A water source is vital for hydration and also provides a place for birds to maintain their feathers! For a pro tip to reduce maintenance purchase a copper purification disc. They work really well and can be purchased for a relatively low cost and will cut your maintenance time down immensely!
By cultivating a vibrant landscape of native plants, you are doing more than simply gardening. You are creating a well-crafted, self-sustaining ecosystem. By putting up a birdhouse and offering a water source you are creating a sanctuary that mimics the natural world. Choosing to focus on permanent resources provided by Mother Nature, turns your backyard into a true oasis. Helping to provide birds with a reliable summer home, long after the feeder has run dry.
WRITTEN BY: BRETT LAGERQUIST, Owner of Dufferin Wildlife Supples & Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies
