Anyone who gardens knows the battle against the elements. There are animal, insect, weather, and sometimes human conditions to deal with. Most of todays gardeners want to garden organically in order to keep the environment free of chemicals especially in their little part of the world.
Habits of the Garden Birds
After researching the habits of favorite garden birds it’s understood that most like to live few and far between each other. Purple Martins like community and are a favorite choice among gardeners, but when observed it’s noticed that although they are excellent insect controllers, the eradication takes place in the air. The home gardener needs a bird that will stay in the garden, likes community, doesn’t mind their close neighbors and collects insects from plants close to the ground.
Benefits of the English Sparrow
Many articles are written about the benefits of encouraging birds into the garden. After installing a couple of birdhouses, the first occupants will most likely be the English Sparrow. Before getting disappointed, because you were in hopes of attracting a more exotic looking song bird, take the time to sit and observe this incredible hard worker.
The English Sparrow parents are seed eaters, but the babies are voracious insectivores. A pair of Sparrows can have up to four broods a year, from early spring through late summer. Both parents work tirelessly, swooping down into the garden gathering large clusters of aphids and other insects in their beaks, then flying back inside the birdhouse to the delight of their screaming fledglings.
Gardens are a menagerie of all varieties of plant material, and it can be a challenge to keep them looking their best. If Sparrows are invited into the garden, there won’t be a need for insecticides, and visitors will be surprised this common little bird most people consider to be a nuisance could be so beneficial. A large percentage of insect control is not uncommon with only a few birdhouses. The goal is not to eradicate all the insects but to have the perfect balance.
English Sparrows vs. Bluebirds
There is a dislike for Sparrows from Bluebird lovers. It’s advisable to place Bluebird houses in an open field or pasture, and keep housing for the Sparrow in the garden. Sparrows claim their house as their home and spend the winters roosting in them. They stay where there's an abundant supply of food throughout the year, and won’t leave an area where there are bird feeders to help them through the winter. Attracting these little brown birds into the garden can be extremely beneficial for an organic gardener.
If you want to attract Bluebirds don’t set up feeders near a field or pasture. Or better yet, donate a Bluebird house to the local park, and you can have the best of both worlds.
Catherine Kaufell - For 18 years I was the owner/grower of a small speciality nursery, growing over 1,000 varieties of Perennials, Herbs and Old Garden Roses. ...
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