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This post is all about How to Create a Beautiful Backyard Bird Sanctuary.
Every time I sit out in my backyard, I hear the wonderful sounds of birds chirping and singing. I see a pair of cardinals flit from bush to tree. I hear the beautiful coos of the mourning doves and watch the yellow finch perch on the lilac bush. These sounds and sights are a wonder and bring some much needed peace to my life. For a while now, I have wanted to be more intentional with creating a space designed specifically for the birds. I wanted this space to be beautiful and inviting. A space for the birds to feast on seeds and insects, have a dip in some cool water and nestle in to colorful bird homes.
In this blog post I share some useful tips on creating a beautiful backyard bird sanctuary and share inspiration for a dreamy garden bird oasis. Anyone can create a bird sanctuary no matter the size of the backyard, porch or small patio. All it takes is some intentionality, hard work and a little bit of love. I also created a video documenting this project. It is posted at the end of this blog post! Let’s jump in!
The Main Elements of a Backyard Bird Sanctuary
1. Food
Birds need food, not only for themselves, but for their growing babies. While birds can eat the seeds we leave out for them, it’s important that they have access to high protein insects for their babies. Leaving out an assortment of seeds is a great way to attract more birds to your backyard. To increase the amount of insects, grow native plants and flowers in your yard. To help these native plants thrive, make sure to routinely pull out harmful and invasive weeds. Keep large wood or brush piles around the yard whenever you can. Many insects thrive in these wood piles and the birds will be happy to feast on them.
2. Water
Access to fresh, clean water is a must. Birds not only drink the water but use it to clean their feathers.This is pretty easy as you can leave out a shallow container or use a bird bath. Make sure to clean out the water daily so that the water is fresh, cool and clean. Make sure to keep some water in a shaded area of your yard so it stays cool in the hotter months of summer. I personally love the way bird baths look in flowerbeds. A beautiful bird bath really does add a dreamy look to your gardens.
3. Shelter And A Safe Place to Raise Babies
Trees, bushes and plants provide great shelter and homes for birds. If you don’t have a lot of trees or bushes, build or buy some bird homes. Craft stores usually sell little bird homes and it’s a fun project to paint them beautiful, bright colors. I also love the natural looking bird homes that are made of moss and twigs. If you have a covered porch, hang some large ferns up for the birds. They love buildings nests in ferns! Just be mindful of the nests when watering them.
MORE USEFUL TIPS FOR CREATING A BACKYARD BIRD SANCTUARY
Think of Predators
Monitor your bird home and feeders and the overall backyard environment. If you have cats, make sure to keep them inside or have a specific space for them outside that is away from the bird feeders and homes. My backyard is completely fenced in and protected with chicken wire to keep out predators such as foxes, bears, cats and raccoons. Also keep an eye on your feeders to make sure that the squirrels aren’t stealing all the seeds. It may be worth it to buy some squirrel proof feeders.
Protect Birds from Your Windows
To keep birds from flying into windows, use bird tape or stickers to distinguish your windows. This is something I never thought about until doing some research. You can use some cute seasonal stickers to decorate your windows and also keep the birds from flying into them. Super cute and useful!
Keep Toxins Out of Your Backyard
When working on your flowerbeds and garden, use all natural/non-toxic/organic soil, plants and fertilizers whenever you can. Insects are the main source of food for birds and you don’t want to be spraying them with insecticides. Insecticides can cause serious harm to birds and other animals/plants in the environment. Keeping your backyard free of toxins will help your plant and bird population thrive. Use an all natural concoction when trying to keep insects from your plants.
Create a Backyard Bird Sanctuary Wrap-Up
As everything in our world becomes more modern, bird habitats are becoming more disrupted. It can be hard for birds to find fresh food and water and safe places to raise their babies. Trees and meadows are being destroyed to create subdivisions and shopping centers. This can be so sad to see but we are able to help in small ways if we are intentional! Help the birds by building up habitats for them in your backyard or even small porch or patio. Small changes go a long way! I hope you enjoyed this post and found encouragement. I am a bird beginner but look forward to learning more. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any useful bird tips or wisdom.
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