I have not written about the “birds” for some time, although I am sure most of what I write has been “for-the-birds”. If you remember I put in the blog about the “Sparrow problem” at my house and how they were “out-competing” the blue birds.
Well, as an outcome of the trap and clearing a bunch of those sparrows from the neighborhood, we had a very good crop of blue birds. At last check they were still in abundance around the house and they have taken to the south corners of our roof. They like to land at the very SW and SE corner of the roof where the rain gutters make the turn. From these points they can watch at least two of the house I have set in the yard and have a wide area of “ownership” it appears. They also spend a lot of time in our big oak tree just off the deck
This picture was taken from just in front of one of my “blue-bird” houses showing my vantage spot on the deck. In the above the tree they all seem to really like is to the upper left and the favorite perch is on the very corner of the roof at the pitch between west and south-facing slopes. It was taken a couple of years ago so the grass has filled in a lot and we have made a few additions to the deck and yard and continue to work on small landscape projects as time and money permit.
My point here is that it may be about time to start planning “For the Birds” now so you can be ready when spring comes and they are all looking for that favorite spot. A little cleaning and proper placement of nesting boxes now or in the next few months, will ensure you have plenty of enjoyment for the summer. The following is a good article about selection, care and placement, but do not let that be your only source. There are a multitude of sources on the web now. You only need to a search for the types of birds you hope to attract and you will find more information than you can read in a short time. Actually you will find more than you want to read but select a few, study up on the ones you want and then start your planning and implementation program to attract them to your yard for many enjoyable hours of just watching.- WD0AJG
Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct placement of bird house can attract many birds to your yard. The correct bird house can bring enjoyment and viewing pleasure from the comfort of your own home.
Selecting the correct bird house or feeder is important to attracting birds to your yard. There is a wide variety available from very decorative to functional. With the right selection you can have an attractive addition to your yards landscape and give your feathered friends a functional place to nest.
When selecting a bird house there are many factors to consider. Robins will nest in an enclosed bird house but prefer an open area such as a nesting post. Wrens and other similar small birds prefer an enclosed boxed structure. Many bird houses have small openings suited to birds like wrens. Many birds will not nest in a house that has multiple chambers preferring a single box structure. You can select a decorative structure to add beauty to your yard while giving your area birds an attractive place to nest.
Placement is important in attracting birds to your structure. Do not place your house near a feeder but try to place it near convenient cover for the birds. Near by bushes or trees will give the nesting birds a place to dart to when they sense danger. Many birds will not nest in an area where there are other birds or back yard animals like squirrels and rabbits. Feeders will attract many animals other than birds.
Nesting birds will seek areas away from the commotion of feeders and bird baths but these structures will aid in attracting nesting birds. Convenient water and food sources in another area of your yard will provide an easy source of needed sustenance for the birds that have selected you bird house to nest.
Do not face the opening of your bird house to the South or East. The direct sunlight from these directions will cause your bird house to be to warm in the morning and mid-day hours.
Try to mount your bird house on a pole or post rather than hanging it from a tree. A post will protect your nesting birds from back yard predators.
Keeping your bird house clean is very important to the health of birds that have selected your structure and to your family. Clean your bird house every spring. Remember to wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning your bird house. Cleaning will not only protect the health of the birds but will ensure your bird house can be an eye catching element of your landscape for many years.
Make sure to keep your feeders and bird baths clean and full of food and water. You may have to fill you water source a couple times throughout the day.
With thought, planning and a little maintenance the addition of a bird house can bring birds to your yard every year to give you viewing pleasure in your own back yard.
Scott Kirchoff manages news and information for http://www.sekwholesale.com, an online supplier of home dcor, gardening supplies, and exceptional gifts (including a huge selection of bird houses).
Author: Scott Kirchoff
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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