SPRING BIRD WATCHING WITH CHILDREN IN THE GARDEN
Some people spend thousands of dollars in pursuit of the glimpse of special birds in exotic places, however, for most of us bird feeding and bird watching is one of the joys in our own garden.
From the days when people used to just toss out some breadcrumbs or leave a bit of seed scattered around we are now doing far more to make our homes and gardens more attractive to bird life.
When you think about it, some of these birds have a pretty good life dropping in all over the neighbourhood to bird feeders, like the regular crow who visits our garden and spends fifteen minutes or so filling up and then having a decent old wash flapping about in the fountain.
Attracting and feeding birds is a great gardening activity to share with the children to learn about the different varieties of birds and the interaction of the birds with the garden. Make up a list of the type of birds which visit the garden and see if you count how many visit in an hour. Visit Green Web Gardening on the internet at http://www.greenweb.com.au/ garden and post a story about the birds who visit your garden with your children on Green Web Gardening Kids in the Garden.
Other activities with the children can include drawing the birds in the garden, photographing and the development of a scrapbook for the children on birds in the garden. It is also worth purchasing one of the many bird books as a reference point for your family activities.
To gain the most pleasure from the bird life in your garden be careful how you locate bird baths, bird feeders and nesting boxes to make sure that you are able to view these areas from as many vantage points as possible from indoors, such as the kitchen or living room windows.
It is also important to make sure that bird feeders, bird baths and nesting boxes are placed off the ground in safe places to protect birds from predators such as cats. Clean your bird bath regularly, at least once a week if not more often, and replenish with fresh water. To protect birds from parasites make sure that any nesting box you place in the garden has good ventilation and is cleaned out regularly.
One of the ways to increase the number of birds in your garden is to plant flowers and shrubs that will create an increased food source for t birds in your garden, as well as provide a safe haven from predators. Native bottlebrushes, Callistemons, which flower in spring and summer with their showy flowers are a special attraction for birds, particularly Honeyeaters and Wattlebirds, as there is very concentrated nectar in the flowers. Banksias, Fushias, Grevilleas, and Melaleucas are all on the list for attracting our feathered friends.
To develop your garden for birds take a trip to your local nursery with a sketch of your garden and the locations you want to attract the birds, so you can discuss your plan with your local nurseryman who will be able to advise on the best plants for the local area.
Make a point of enjoying your birds with that early morning cup of tea on the porch or in the garden as the birds wake up the neighborhood, or whilst having lunch in the garden. A cool glass of wine at sunset before dinner is also one of the best times to listen to nature's orchestra.
Check out Green Web Gardening on the internet for more information about birds in the garden on http://www.greenweb.com.au/garden.
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