Birds are Essential for Your Yard

If you enjoy spending time in your backyard, you’ve probably heard all those chirping birds hanging around.  Maybe you even enjoy watching them flutter by, lending their color to the surrounding landscape.  But have you ever considered the vital role they play in maintaining the local ecosystem?  If you’re like most people, chances are you take the presence of birds in your yard for granted.

One way birds contribute to a desirable outdoor space is by controlling the number of unwanted pests.  Birds feed on insects, such as beetles and mosquitoes, which can ruin an otherwise perfect evening outside.  They also help to control slugs and aphids, and other bugs that can harm your plants and vegetation. 

Certain birds such as hummingbirds are also responsible for spreading pollen and helping to maintain those beautiful flowerbeds.  Other birds like sparrows and finches eat the seeds of weeds and help to reduce the number of undesirable plants in your yard or flowerbeds.

Like most animals, birds require food, water, and shelter in order to feel comfortable and welcome in your yard.  By offering your feathered visitors a steady supply of food and water, you will encourage new species to frequent your yard.  One way to do this is to provide a bird feeder. 

Bird feeders can be purchased for a modest price or made easily by hand.  Be sure to keep a hefty supply of wild bird food on hand for refills.  A bird bath or possibly a fountain or pond will also attract birds.  Moving water will attract birds quicker than standing water because the sounds will catch the birds’ attention. 

Once you provide a consistent source of food and water, you will be amazed at how popular your backyard becomes.  In addition to simply enjoying their songs and colors, you will also know that you are doing a service to your local ecosystem.