Gardening Tips
Thinking about feeding birds in winter? Instead of providing extra food, create a garden with native shrubs that naturally provide birds with food during the colder months.
Birds in our gardens are not only a pleasure to watch, but also an important part of our ecosystem. It’s commonly assumed that birds need supplemental feed to thrive. In many cases, however, this isn’t the best approach. Rather than artificial feeding, birds need a nature-friendly garden that provides both food and suitable habitat.
Bird feeders can spread disease among birds. Feeding stations often become gathering spots where birds are in close contact with one another. This proximity can encourage the spread of infection and put bird populations’ health at risk. A nature-friendly garden, on the other hand, helps birds find food for themselves by giving them access to natural sources such as insects, berries, and seeds.
Suitable nesting sites are also often in short supply. Many gardens are sterile in design and provide few, if any, nesting places for different bird species. A nature-friendly garden with shrubs, trees, and other plants creates ideal nesting conditions. The variety of heights and structures offers birds protection and security during the breeding season.
Finally, it’s essential that birds have places to hide. In an ecologically valuable garden, they can find plenty of cover from predators and feel safe. Dense native plantings or thick ground cover provide birds with places to retreat and support their well-being.
Overall, a nature-friendly garden can do far more for bird populations than simply putting out feeders. By creating a diverse habitat with places to nest and hide, we can make a lasting contribution to birds’ protection and health. The result is a lively garden that brings joy to birds and people alike.