Having birds in your garden can be a wonderful thing, and it’s actually really easy to create a bird friendly garden at home. Today I thought I would share some of my tips, and I’d love to hear your suggestions as well!
1. Plant at varying heights and densities
Different species of birds like different environments, so planting at a range of heights and densities will increase the types of birds that will be attracted to your garden. Small birds love ground covers and dense shrubs, so don’t forget to also plant under larger trees to create a welcoming understorey as well.
Plants at different heights also provide different food sources which creates both variety and volume, so having trees, shrubs, grasses and the like will make your garden a very bird friendly one!
2. Plant natives
Unsurprisingly native birds like to eat native plants, so the more natives you can plant the greater the food source will be, and the more bird friendly your garden will be! The more local the plant is the more likely it will be suitable for shelter for local birds too. Be sure to get a combination of plants so you have flowers and seeds available as a food source, and then attract insects through understorey planting and mulching. Plus, Australian natives are gorgeous, so why wouldn’t you want them in your garden!
3. Plant for different seasons
In order to ensure you have a bird friendly garden year round you need to include natives that provide flowers, seeds and fruit at different times of the year so the birds have a food source at all times. Check the seasonal information when choosing new plants and you can create a year-round smorgasbord that will bring all the birds to your yard!
4. Plant for shelter
Small birds in particular require shelter, and you can help provide that by planting a few dense shrubs close together, as well as climbing plants amongst your taller shrubs and trees. This will not only provide excellent shelter but the possibility for nesting as well. Mulch and grass covers are also useful for creating shelter, plus they reduce the need for watering your garden as well, making it a double win!
5. Provide a water source
Birds get lots of water from their food, but providing a water source is also an excellent way to create a bird friendly garden. The easiest way to do this is through a bird bath, but make sure it is shallow or otherwise pop some twigs in so the birds are able to get back out easily. Make sure you clean it out regularly, and keep it away from anywhere cats might be as birds are incredibly vulnerable while they are drinking. I used to love watching the birds dipping in and out of the bird bath on hot summer days as a kid!
If you want to know more about various tree services and how to reach out to them, A Affordable Tree Experts can help you in this regard.
I hope these tips for a bird friendly garden were helpful, I’d love to hear yours as well!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption
August 16, 2016 at 8:12 am (8 years ago)Oh I love nice birds in my garden. We get all sorts but those nasty minor (sp?) birds rule our area unfortunatly.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption recently posted…Travel With Kids: Mini Zoo Keepers at Werribee Open Range Zoo
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
October 6, 2016 at 7:23 pm (8 years ago)Oh no! My parents have the opposite problem – so many native parrots that they strip the trees!
Liz
September 1, 2016 at 5:01 pm (8 years ago)Hello Liz, I also like different types of birds in my garden. So I keep in mind about these suitable environment in garden which attract more birds.Thanks for sharing.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
October 6, 2016 at 7:31 pm (8 years ago)I hope this helps!