By Mashum Mollah
Most people use their backyards as their own piece of nature to relax after a long day at work. Why not add color to it and enhance it with some music? Bird-watching is known to relieve stress, and so is music. Birds, quite obviously, can provide both. They are a pretty sight and only natural to coexist in your garden with butterflies, bees, and other insects.
Ornithophily :
Here is a big word for you! Ornithophily is bird pollination. Nectar-eating birds such as the hummingbird, honeyeater, oriole etc. feed on the nectar. In the process, they collect the pollen, that is, it sticks on their feathers. Once the bird approaches a different flower, the pollen gets transported onto the new flower. Apart from birds, certain insects have a similar role, such as aforementioned butterflies and bees. As a result, any fruit plants you have in your garden may thrive.
Pest control :
Pest control is one of the major challenges of organic gardens, particularly fruit and vegetable gardens. Instead of you being the one to mix the natural remedies and hand-pick undesired insects, leave that job to birds. Not only that, but bug-eating birds will get rid of some of your nuisances such as mosquitos and flies. Some of the best-known and easy to find bug-eaters include bluebirds and chickadees. Also, do not forget the big rodent-eating birds. While it may be hard to attract an eagle into your garden, a common owl can help you get rid of some of the mice.
Weed control :
Here is yet another pleasant benefit of birds to your organic garden. Certain species of birds successfully provide weed control. These are blackbirds, sparrows, and crows, for example. Although, some of them, people do not usually like seeing in their gardens. Apart from prejudice related to certain species such as crows, there is another downfall. You need to make sure that you do not have any fresh seeds planted as they may be tempted to eat them alongside weed seeds.
Environmentally friendly :
Supporting wildlife and natural ecosystems is, of course, environmentally friendly. Create a garden full of native plants and you will attract native birds to it. They will make sure your greenery thrives. Also, a native garden is much easier to maintain as you have plants accustomed to soil and weather conditions in your region. Add a birdbath to your garden and a decorative bird feeder to attract birds to a safe environment.
When things go wrong :
As much as it is nice to have birds around, an occasional disaster might happen. If it happens, look into bird control solutions. The most common disease spread among birds is caused by salmonella, and a birdfeeder may be an excellent place for spreading it. If you happen to notice any dead birds around the feeder, dispose of them. It is not only for the sake of your family, but you can also prevent it from spreading further to other birds.
Bird Infestation :
Another thing that might happen is that you have a bird infestation. It depends on where you are from, but we can often find large flocks of pigeons, or sparrows taking over a household. Apart from the fact that it can be unsightly, they can congest gutters, spread mites, and another disease. Looking at this and how bird control may be considered cruel, if this happens to you once, perhaps refrain from using feeders. Use native plants to attract birds instead of laying out food for them.
At the end :
The most beautiful feeling about having a garden full of birds is the connection with nature. With a privacy fence in the back, and some tall greenery, including trees, you can create a garden of your dreams. You can relax, while your children observe nature and learn.
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