By: Natasha Olsen

In addition to the color and perfume of flowersfruits and leaves, your garden can receive many species of animals. if butterflies and bees guarantee the pollination It is ladybugs help keep the biological balance, you birds also play an important role in this “mini ecosystem”.

Among other functions, birds help with pollination, seed dispersal and control of other species that may attack your plants. In addition to everything, they add beauty and the sound of different songs, which bring proven benefits to our health.

But how can we make our garden a good place for native and even migratory birds? The first rule is: create an environment that attracts the birds, so that they come freely and keep themselves free to go – that is: no cages. Instead, take steps that will increase the chances of bringing these animals into your garden and help create an environment where birds are safe and fed.

Want to know how to do this? Here are some tips! But, first of all, it is worth remembering that pesticides and some fertilizers are a threat to biodiversity, which includes birds.

How to Attract and Keep Birds in the Garden

1. Variety of plants, variety of life

The more diverse an environment, the more forms of life will coexist in this place, in balance. This goes for plants and animals. Each species of bird has its preferences: some like taller trees, others scratch on the ground to find food, bushes are ideal for nesting for some birds and others cannot resist fruit trees.

The more species of plants you manage to “fit” in the backyard, the more species of animals you will attract, and that includes the desired birds. In that sense, the nectar-rich plants can be an even more special invitation.

An important tip for those who have trees or shrubs in their backyard is to observe the existence of nests when pruning. If you find a nest, wait until the chicks are born to cut the branches.

2. Plant native plant species

According to Audubonan organization focused on protecting birds, the “gardens with the most native plants tend to have eight times more birds than gardens with lawns and exotic plants”. Native trees and plants are an attraction for birds in your region, providing the ideal shelter and food for these species in preserved areas and also in your backyard.

When choosing what to plant, reproduce the natural and biodiverse environment of your region is always the best choice because the native species are perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil. In addition to plants that are more likely to grow strong and beautiful, you have a better chance of attracting species that like these plants.

3. Let them build their nests

Birds use a variety of materials to build their nests. Dry twigs, grass clippings, leaves, mud or even fur from other animals (including your dog). Therefore, make these materials available to the birds. If you are going to “clean” your yard, keep a pile of dry leaves, twigs, straw and anything else that can be used to receive the eggs.

A tip is put this stuff around the trees. Organic matter provides protection and nutrients to the soil and is part of the natural cycle of a balanced ecosystem.

4. Boxes are better than “little houses”

If you want to offer spaces for birds to settle in your garden, prefer nesting boxes instead of ornamental houses, which often prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Ideally, the box should have holes of different sizes to accommodate different species of birds. If you have room for more boxes, choose to bring boxes with similar-sized entrances closer together, because birds of the same species tend to fly together.

5. Food and water

In a biodiverse environment, birds will find food without any problems, be it seeds, insects, fruits or even small animals, as is the case with owls. So, the ideal is to let them eat what nature offers and ensure this balance. Remember that birds can help control “pests” that, if they don’t have natural predators, will attack your plants.

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