Attracting Birds and Butterflies

By Michelle Rauch Posted: April 1st, 2012



There are three basic needs birds and butterflies have that are not unlike
our own. They need food, shelter, and water. If you have all of that, you are
on your way to attracting them. As with any good hostess, you want to make
them feel at home so they will stay.
I realize, now, I have been an unreliable hostess. When spring rolls
around I have simply put out bird seed. When I remember, I refill
it. After spring and summer pass, I stop filling the feeders. No
wonder the birds and butterflies have been fare weather friends. I
probably wouldn’t stick around either if I never knew day to day or
week to week if there would be any munchies in Michelle’s yard. So,
rule number one: keep a steady supply of food and water all year
long. Diversity of food is important. Think about it from your pet’s
perspective if you have one. Sure, my dogs enjoy their kibble and
appear to relish it every time I put it down for breakfast and dinner.
But when they get a treat, that something extra that’s out of the
ordinary, they savor it. So you can imagine the same philosophy
applies to wildlife. Bird seed and hummingbird nectar is great as a
supplement, but dig into nature’s pantry for the main course.
Choose flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs that will create a
landscape that produces food all four seasons. Here is a list to
get you started: alyssum, astilbe, bee balm, coneflower, dahlia,
eucalyptus, geranium, hibiscus, impatiens, lantana, marigolds,
phlox, salvia, sunflowers, and zinnia. Herbs are great too including:
dill, mint, and parsley. Over ripe fruit is a big attraction. Instead of
tossing it out with the trash add it to the garden. Bright colors are
a bonus too.
Shelter is equally important as food and water. Create a safe haven
for birds to retreat to. The shade of trees, shrubs, and bird houses
are ideal. This, of course, is to the chagrin of my Airedale Terrier.
She fancies a romp in open spaces to catch them if she can.
I am starting the process now to entice birds and butterflies into
my yard and will work to keep them in sight. I have the support
of my dogs to invite more wildlife of the fluttering variety into
the yard; however, while I want to enjoy their beauty, my canine
companions have ulterior motives. That’s another issue altogether
and a challenge I will conquer after my new backyard guests arrive.
Here’s to creating a landscape with the right additions that will
keep birds and butterflies coming back instead of just passing
through.
 


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