Birds are important pollinators and seed dispersers, helping to maintain biodiversity and promote the growth of plants through pollination. Our feathered friends also help with pest control, by eating insects or by controlling the population of a number of insects and even rodents. Taking care of birds is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the planet’s overall health. These planet-friendly activities will help you to do that.
ADD A BIRDHOUSE … OR A FEW
The best time to put up a birdhouse for most species is in the spring, ideally before the start of the nesting season. This allows birds to find and claim the birdhouse before other birds.
Site your birdhouse in a good location, such as a tree or post away from predators, with a clear flight path and facing the sun.
- Some species, such as purple martins, prefer to have their houses up as early as possible in the spring, to ensure that they are the first to claim a site.
- Bluebirds prefer to have their houses up later in thespring, after they have returned from migration.
- Tree swallows will not use a birdhouse until late summer
Birds are important indicators of the health of the environment. Changes in bird populations can signal changes in the health of an ecosystem.
PROVIDE WATER FOR THE BIRDS
Providing water improves habitat for birds and other animals, and increases your chances of observing them up close. You can attract more birds to your patio, balcony or yard by including a homemade birdbath made out of a water bottle like this.
Three important things to remember when you hang your water feeder:
1. The water should not be deeper than 1 inch (2 cm) so that the small birds don’t drown.
2. Change the water regularly.
3. Hang the feeder out of reach of cats and other predators.
Easy-to-build nesting boxes will attract these beautiful songbirds and support their population growth click here for directions Make a Nesting Box for Eastern Bluebirds
