As the population of the world grows, more and more habitats of our wild birds are decreasing. New sub-divisions take over naturally wooded areas in the suburbs, and newer and taller buildings in the cities are changing the ways that birds have to find shelter and housing. Because of these changes populations of many different kinds of birds are declining.
What can we do to help regenerate our bird populations? How can we help those that are displaced before tragedy sets in for them as well? The easiest way is to turn your own yard into a sanctuary for birds. Below we offer a few tips for making your yard more colorful and attractive for birds, which might help stem the tide of their declining population.
1 - Make the birds welcome in your yard. Strategically placing bird feeders, houses and baths throughout your yard and keeping them full of fresh food and water will, in time, attract some very colorful and melodious songbirds.
2 - Keep your birding products clean and accessible. Just placing items in your yard isn't going to do it. Feeders must be replenished on a regular basis with fresh seed, as well as cleared of any old seed that may have become stale or gotten wet and might be blocking feeding ports or trays. Houses must be cleaned periodically as well to prevent them from becoming clogged and leaving no room for birds to nest. And baths should be cleaned and refilled to prevent bacteria from overtaking the bath and making your birds sick. Please note however that birds and chemicals DO NOT mix, so it's best to use all natural materials when cleaning your items.
3 - Select the right seed and housing for the type of bird you would like to attract. Wild birds really do have a preference to the type of feed that they enjoy, and offering the right seed makes it possible to attract the bird of your choice. Keep in mind though that there are more species of birds then varieties of seed, so combining the right seed with a bird house designed for attracting that same species of bird will increase your chances of attracting the birds you desire.
4 - Don't forget some of the less popular birds. While colorful songbirds are indeed a joy to watch, other types of birds are just as nice and can be beneficial as well. One example is the purple martin. These birds have gotten a somewhat bad reputation over the years, but did you know that a single purple martin can eat as many as 1000 bugs, including mosquitoes, in a single night? Talk about your natural bug repellent.
By following these simple steps and doing a little research, you can have your own backyard habitat up and running soon. It will take a little time for the birds to find you, but once they do, if you keep these tips in mind they will be around for a long, long time.
For more information on backyard birding products, please visit http://www.backporchbirds.com
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