Heirloom Tomatoes
Crinum Lily
Bluebird House
Consider the Birds
Veggies in Containers
Passionflower
Garden Conservancy

Gleanings from the Editor

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Consider The Birds

For a long time birds have gotten a bad rap from gardeners. Although they do take a peck in a tomato from time to time, they are, in fact, overwhelmingly positive influences. Gardeners who enjoy the full and fascinating display of nature soon find that birds, insects and other wildlife all play important roles in maintaining balance.

The most obvious benefit of attracting birds to the garden is the fun that comes from watching and listening to them. Bright colors and cheerful songs are justification enough for luring wild birds to the garden, but there are many more benefits.

In the past several years, songbirds have become more endangered by the loss of habitat and the widespread use of pesticides. Your organic garden can be a haven for these wonderful creatures.

Birds that feed on insects are an obvious boon to us gardeners. We’ve all heard the expression, “like a mockingbird on a junebug,” but insect-eating birds help control pests at every life stage. They eat insect eggs, larvae and adults. Birds like the barn swallow and purple martin can eat hundreds of pounds of mosquitoes and other flying insects in a day. Robins, mockingbirds, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and titmice are all vociferous insect eaters. Bluebirds favorite summer foods include grasshoppers, crickets, ground beetles, spiders and caterpillars.

While birds that prefer to eat seeds might seem to be a natural enemy in the garden, they are also very beneficial. For the most part, birds prefer weed seeds to the seeds of cultivated plants. Malcolm Beck reports a case where pigeons descended on a patch of goat head burrs and ate the seeds to thoroughly that this vicious weed was exterminated. If their favorite weed is not available, birds will prefer commercial seed mixes to your garden plants. The seeds are easier to get and a reliable source of food if you keep the feeder filled. You can select seed based on the type of bird you want to attract. For example, finches love niger seed, cardinals are crazy about sunflower seed, woodpeckers like suet and titmice prefer peanuts. As long as the birds have an alternative food source, they seem happy to stay out of the garden.

In addition to eating insects and seeds, some birds also serve as pollinators. The most popular of those is the hummingbird. The flash of color, whirr of speed and obvious inability to get along with others all endear these tiny creatures. Although hummers feed regularly at feeders, they prefer flowers with tubular blossoms designed to fit their long, soda-straw type beak.

Putting out a bird feeder is a good way to attract birds, but for a diverse population, you need more. Birds’ bodies are 70% water, so obviously a source of clean water is essential. A pond, birdbath or planter saucer can serve as a water source. Be sure to refill and keep the water clean. The receptacle should be away from predators (cats, dogs, squirrels) and near a tree to shrub where they can take shelter if threatened.

Which brings us to another essential — diverse habitat. Birds are attracted to areas that have trees and shrubs that provide shelter, food and nesting sites. Shrubs and trees that produce berries, flowers that provide nectar, and spot protected from wind and rain will encourage birds to make your garden their home.

When we moved to the country, the first thing we did was paint our old farmhouse. The painters washed down the walls first, exclaiming over “those old mud-bird nests” that were attached under the eves of all the porches. As city folk, we didn’t know what “mud birds” were, but we’ve learned. In spite of that first year’s home-wrecking, the barn swallows have returned every year — as predictable and delightful if not as famous— as the swallows of San Juan Capistrano.

There is no question that they make a bit of mess on the porch. (Bob came up with the brilliant idea to “potty train” the birds by putting an old crock or empty flowerpot on the porch beneath each nest — much easier to clean up.) But any mess is completely outweighed by the joy they bring. Their cheerful and enthusiastic chatter starts each day off on a positive note. The swallows are beautiful and graceful birds as they spread their rusty colored wings and swoop through the sky. When the young arrive, we are enthralled by the quick progression from fuzzy, demanding big-mouths to fluffy beginning fliers. It’s a great show that goes on from spring to late summer— and we know that with each swoop of the wing, our pest population is decreasing.

We in Texas are lucky to have one of the largest population of birds in the world. No only do we have a lot of resident birds, but we have many migratory birds that spend part of their year here. No matter where in the state you live, you will find that birds are ready and willing to beautify your garden and help out with the work as well. Pick up a book on Texas birds or get in touch with the Texas Audubon Society or Texas Ornithological Society.