I’ll See You in Health

Anyone who watches the Colbert Report knows this line and the antics of its host.  Yet, let’s be serious.  Part of our health is living in a healthy environment, especially our own backyard.  What is a healthy backyard?

Any yard attractive to birds, bats, bees and butterflies would be considered healthy.  To accomplish that would mean reducing the use of pesticides, conserving water and protecting water quality.  It would require planting native plants, removing invasives and limiting lawns.

Down to specifics: how does one accomplish the above?  This author doubts that many have the budget to accomplish wholesale transformation, and that’s fine.  Even if it takes a few years to effect, one can enjoy the different stages.  This author would suggest targeting one family of birds in approaching this task—hummingbirds. We are fascinated but these tiny dynamos anyway.  If you work to attract these, you will also facilitate the attraction of bees and butterflies.  You see, the plants that attract hummers attract bees and butterflies!  One of my favorite wildlife specialists often states, “If you want hummingbirds, think lasagna”.  Lasagna is a dish of many layers and flavors. Your hummingbird garden would be layers of different heights, colors, and flowers blooming at various times of the year.  Plant trumpet shape flowers but also flowers that have flat disked shaped flowers.  Together these flowers provide nectar and attract insects hummers find edible.  It is important to provide nectar and protein sources.  Hummers need a protein source especially during the raising of a brood.

Hummers need cover and shelter.  To that end, think about planting in the space available trees, shrubs and vines to which the birds can retreat.  Cross Vine and Jasmine followed by Mexican Plum, Mountain Laurel, and Redbud in the understory and Oaks, Pines and Pecans in the canopy again achieves the lasagna theme.

 

Feeders can add to sources of food for wildlife and will provide grand time for viewing the antics of the birds.  Find brands that offer lifetime warranties and clean them regularly.  After all, think about your desire to dine at a clean plate.  So do the birds.  The experience will be wonderful.

Sources of clean water are a must.  Birdbaths should be shallow and with sides of gentle slope.  Keep the water fresh and moving, if possible.  Clean your birdbath with regularity and change the water to keep it free of unwanted dirt and algae.  If one adds a wiggler or a drip system, this is most attractive to a variety of birds.  Misters are great, especially in hot summer months.   Birds will play in the mist and your plans benefit as well.  If you have a pond, move water by way of a pump and waterfall.

In healthy yard, you have provided the means by which birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife live and flourish.  You have contributed to lessening population decline of many species.  You’ve reconnected to nature.  Of course, you must realize, your health, too, is the beneficiary of a healthy back yard.

The Bluebirds

 

 

This is one of the silver linings to the Labor Day Bastrop Complex fire.  So much was destroyed.  Yet, the fire opened the landscape in such a way as to allow more Eastern Bluebirds to visit and colonize this area.  Bluebirds do not like densely forested areas.  They prefer open woodlands, or more specifically, they are edge birds.  Where one might find grassland abutting a woodlot or grove of old growth pecans, you will find bluebirds.

Bluebirds are insectivores.  Their unusual method of foraging for food is notable; they engage in ground-sallying.  They will perch on a fence line or small tree or shrub, stare at the ground.  They sally to the ground, capture their targeted insect, and return to their perch before eating. Bluebirds will supplement their diet with fruit and small berries particularly in colder months.

Bluebirds are cavity nesters.  Old growth pecans with cavities provide a great number of nesting opportunities.  You can provide additional nesting opportunities by placing nest boxes in your area.  Make sure you place your box about six feet high and face it away from the harsh afternoon sun.

Peterson Field Guide to Birds

This field guide is one that uses paintings to illustrate North American Birds.  Many believe in the advantage of paintings over photographs.  The artist combines his or her own experiences with multiple specimens, advantageous lighting, and ideal positioning in hopes of giving an observer in the field an optimal opportunity for correct identification.  Text, range maps, and paintings all in one place enhances the usability of this guide.

Visit Kingbirdfeeders.com for optics, feeders, guides, and all your gear for birding and bird watching.