Spring is for the Birds! Turn Your Backyard into a Sanctuary

By Allie McComas

You can live anywhere - in a house or an apartment, in the suburbs or in the city, in a neighborhood or in the country, by the beach or in the mountains, and they will be there. Birds are everywhere. All you have to do is stand still and listen for them and you’ll hear them. Each year, millions of first time bird-watchers discover the joys of this pastime. The reason is simple: birds are so much fun to watch! Another great thing about bird watching is that you can enjoy it just about anywhere. And, a great place to start is right in your own backyard.

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation in the country. More than 65 million Americans watch, feed and landscape their yards for birds. Backyard bird feeding is an easy and affordable way to enjoy wildlife. Creating an area that welcomes songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies is a relatively simple task and will attract a variety of birds and butterflies for you to enjoy. When you create an atmosphere that makes them feel at home, soon you will find birds staying around to rear their young. This consists of supplying them with their basic requirements for survival which are food, water, a place to build a nest and appropriate vegetation.

Birds like and need water. If there is not a nearby source of water, like a pond or creek, you can create a birdbath or devise a fountain with fresh water. Recycle an old Frisbee or a plate, add marbles or stones to the bottom for weight and have a flat stone or other organic material for a landing pad, such as a brick.

Butterflies are drawn to water too, but only if they can wade and flit in a shallow area. They are also drawn to the different nutrients found in soil. Try sinking a broken cup into the ground or in a larger pot with plants on your patio. Then, cut up a sponge to fit into the cup and keep it filled with water for a nice butterfly bath. Or, you can try using an old aluminum pan lined with a cotton tea towel or paper towels as a butterfly bath. Just fill with water to provide a shallow puddle on a sunny day.

Provide bird feeders with seeds or seed mixtures and make sure to keep them full. Birds and butterflies are attracted to flowers, plants and weeds because of their berries and seeds. Birds are also attracted to some trees because of the insects that live in their bark. Just about any kind of tree provides cover so hanging feeders on or near trees and bushes provide cover and shelter.

A platform feeder works nicely for birds as well as butterflies by displaying a buffet of bananas, watermelon, or apples. Frequent visitors to such a display include painted ladies, swallowtails, and fritillaries.

Creating an inviting area for birds and butterflies allows you to enjoy nature at its best right in your own backyard. It’s a great pastime for young and old alike. You, and they, will be glad you did.