Birds in Your Garden

Eastern Bluebird - Photo Steve Falls

Tree Swallow claimed this House - perched on top Photo Liz McLean

Tree Swallow at entrance of their claimed Bird House.

As our need to be more mindful of our environment and wanting that gorgeous garden surrounding us, you should consider the benefits of Bird Houses and Bird Baths in your Garden plans!

Bird houses attract a variety of species of birds, since they are shelter and nesting sites. If you build it they will come, really, truly! Once bird populations begin to increase you will notice that the pest population decreases too. Bird houses enhance the beauty of a garden aesthetically by colour, design styles serving as focal points and creating a peaceful and harmonious environment with bird sounds. Utilize birds as a form of pest management NOT sprays. Create an environment that is welcoming to birds.

The last Big Benefit no one talks about - they are educational for children through bird watching and learning about nature around them.

Another great addition to a garden is adding small perches for birds to locate their next meal. I use 1”x2” stakes strategically placed. In long rows I add about 3 stakes spaced down the rows for exactly this purpose.

Bird baths are a necessary addition too. Bird baths function as sources of water and bathing (overall health and well being), as well as attracts a diverse range of species. Bird baths also attract beneficial insects to your garden which birds will ultimately feed on. They are aesthetically pleasing and can also function as focal points so consider them garden furniture and select accordingly.

Bird bath in The Field -medium depth but Crows still use it!

But, a few key points will determine the type of bird bath you use.

• Size - smaller baths attract only smaller birds. Most significant feature! Larger bath will attract more diversity.

• Placement - place the bath in the open where birds have better view of their surroundings.

• Water Movement - birds are attracted to moving water, so a fountain increases its appeal.

• Accessibility - sloping sides for easy access and exit.

• Cleanliness - birds love clean water, so changing out water frequently.

Have some fun decorating your garden knowing that what you are doing is benefiting your over all ecosystem by aiding and abetting Birds in your Garden! Truly enjoy a diverse group of birds too.

If you want to make your own birdhouses there are plenty of instructions available. If you are specifically after Eastern Bluebird houses - Roger Tory Petersen has detailed instructions specific to Bluebirds. Always put up more than one, Tree Swallows can live next door to Bluebirds, and they need help finding houses. 

Gallery Photos Left to Right from Top Row - ALL Photos taken at Butternut Creek Flowers

• Rose Breasted Grosbeak - Photo Steve Falls

• Eastern Bluebird - Photo Steve Falls

• Indigo Bunting - Photo Les Jones

• Female Rose Breasted Grosbeak - Photo Liz McLean

• Hummingbird - Photo Liz McLean

• Brown Thrasher - Photo Liz McLean

• Rose Breasted Nuthatch - Photo Liz McLean

• Cat Bird - Photo Liz McLean

• Eastern Bluebird - Photo Liz McLean

• Blue Jay - Photo Liz McLean

• Barred Owl - Photo Liz McLean

Locally you can purchase Bird Houses this Spring with proceeds going to Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre. Jeff Scott builds these Bird Houses some for House Wrens and slightly larger ones for Bluebirds and Tree swallow etc.

These Bird House will be for Sale at 1794 Unity Road, Glenburnie, Jeff’s Front Yard. A BirdHouse and supporting Sandy Pines - a Win Win!