Birds... Water!

By GarageInc

The other day I asked to myself what’s the one thing that will draw birds to our backyards like a magnet? And I said WATER! So I went to the library to investigate…

And found that just as important as food wild birds need water to drink and bathe. If you provide it, winged activity will surely follow.

But don’t think a traditional birdbath is the only way to take the plunge. Experts have come up with all sorts of unique and easy ideas to create a perfect watering hole-from using recycled containers as makeshift baths to building elaborate backyard ponds.

Try some of these hints:

- A couple of nestle terracotta colored plastic drainage trays, (the kind used under potted plants) placed in the rings of a tomato cage, use them as birdbath.
- Often spray water on the trees and shrubs, which keeps them healthy and also attracts ours winged friends.
- Most birds prefer shallow water no more than 1 or 2 inches.
- To prevent messy buildup , put a bucket of water aside for a few days before adding it to the birdbath, it seems to slow the growth of algae.

I hope you can implement any of these tips and I invite you to add any other hint by commenting on this blog.

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How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

By BululuStudio

Here are a few tips to lure them there.

No Pesticides
First of all, do not use pesticides. The pesticides may kill the birds you are trying to attract.

Proper Trees
If you've landscaped your home for energy savings, you probably have a few trees in your yards. The evergreen trees make a great year-round home for birds, especially those that have berries and seed-producing cones. You'll also want to grow deciduous trees that have berries, fruits or other possible bird eats.

Reduce the Size of Your Lawn
A big lawn does not make a bird-magnet. A large lawn can also consume a lot of time, money, water and lawn-mower gasoline. Planting shrubs or hedges or anything that provides cover for birds is preferable. Bird houses also work as cover.

Water
Birds need water. Any shallow pool of water can provide birds water. A bird bath is a popular method of providing off-ground water to birds. Birds are vulnerable to cat and other predator attacks when they are on the ground. To keep the cats off your bird bath grow prickly plants along its base.

Bird Feeders
Birds are attracted to feeders. Feed them native seeds if possible. Exotic foods can give native birds digestion troubles.