BIRD
GARDENS
Bird gardens are wonderful
projects for Habitat Education Sites. Bird gardens should be arranged
so that there is suitable habitat for native species. When creating
a bird garden some of the things that can be included are:
- Plants: Plants that can
be used for shelter as well as a food source. Make sure that the plants
you include are ones that are used by birds that you would like to
attract.
- Feeders: You can also
create a bird garden by establishing feeders. This way the birds will
come to your garden all year round. Feeders can be placed in ways
so that you can see the birds whether indoors or out. Birds need a
place where they feel they are safe from predators. Making sure that
the food sources are put in a place that is out of site from hawks
but also where the birds cannot be reached by neighborhood cats.
- Bird Boxes: Another way
to make your bird garden hospitable is by making bird boxes. These
boxes are used by cavity nesting species all year round. Most boxes
should have an opening no larger than 1.5 inches, so that non-native
species such as sparrows and starlings do not use them. This is a
fun project for a class to do together but it does require tool use
and adult supervision. Also if a snag is available that is perfect
bird nesting habitat.
- Birdbaths: Birds like
it when they have a clean water source available. You can do this
by having a birdbath but these will need regular cleaning. Having
a moving water source works the best.
SAMPLE PROJECTS:
|
