Backyard Birding - Providing the Four Basics

While flowers and butterflies create a palette of color for the landscape of our yards, birds provide the soundtrack. From the melodic song of the mockingbird to the familiar cooing of the common dove, these sounds remind us of the abundance of wildlife with which we share this county.

Brevard County is truly a bird-lover's paradise. Some of the more notable birds that can be seen in Brevard include bald eagles, several types of hawks and owls, woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, herons and other shore birds. However, these typically aren't the types of birds that we can, or even want to, attract to our yards.

Cardinals, bluejays, mockingbirds, doves and crows are some of the more common birds that will visit a well-planted backyard. But because of our temperate climate, many less common species can be seen in our county at various times of the year as they migrate to escape the colder north. Painted and indigo Buntings, cedar waxwings, robins, goldfinches and bluebirds are some of the rarer birds that you might catch a glimpse of once you decide to garden for wildlife.

Proper landscaping can enhance your property to attract, feed and shelter some of these feathered songsters for year-round enjoyment. Plants can provide food in the form of fruits, nuts, seeds, nectar and the insects that they attract. They provide shelter from inclement weather and predators as well as brooding sites for both nesters and cavity dwellers. Almost any plant you provide will be used by birds for either its food or shelter characteristics.

If your property is large enough, plant trees to provide nesting sites and food sources. Bushes or even palmettos can provide good shelter for birds. Many flowers and grasses provide food sources for seed-eating birds if they are allowed to go to seed. And avoiding pesticides will allow insect eating birds to provide an all natural insect control for your property.

Another easy way to attract birds to your yard is by providing a fresh water supply. Bird baths and other shallow water sources are used for drinking and bathing. Migrating birds such as robins may fill your yard in the winter or spring months if you provide them a place for a quick drink on their long migration. Don't place your water source too close to foliage that may hide a lurking cat or other predators.

The removal of hollow and dead trees by most homeowners makes birdhouses a necessity to many cavity dwelling birds. Simple nest boxes can be made or purchased. Although ornately designed birdhouses might look nice in the store, most will not hold up well outside and may even have paint or ornamentation that could harm the birds. Choose a simple design that is made of weather-resistant wood, such as cypress or redwood.

If you are building your own birdhouse, drill a few holes in the floor to make sure there is no way for water to collect and a few holes under the roof for airflow. Incorporate one hinged side to allow for easy cleaning. Have the roof extend over all sections for maximum protection from the elements.

Once birds have begun to make your yard their home, it is important to help keep them safe. Keep your cat inside. Don't use pesticides. Prune with caution, so as not to disturb nesting birds. And place all birdbaths and supplemental feeders at a safe distance from predatory hideouts. Then, sit back and enjoy the music!