Posted on 02/12/2005 9:27:14 AM PST by sweetliberty
With Spring just around the corner, at least here in the southeast, it's time to think about spending more time outdoors and making our yards and porches more pleasant places to be. FReepers have such a wide variety of interests and talents, I thought it might be fun and educational to do a thread for bird and garden enthusiasts. I see a fair amount of discussion on some of the threads about gardening and landscaping, but not too much that is specific to gardening for the birds.
I've pretty much always had a bird feeder or two around, and that number has grown since I moved into a place last summer that has a big yard. I have a fair variety of birds and I have begun to think about developing it specifically to attract more species, not only for the enjoyment of watching the birds, but also to control natural pests that are prevalent in this part of the country, without resorting to pesticides. I know that the right combination of flora can discourage certain pests and also attract birds that will help keep the pest population down. I would love to hear from FReepers who are experienced at creating such a balance. I think it would also be fun to have a place to share our experiences as we develop them. I know there's lots of links out there with useful information and I make use of them from time to time, but it's just not the same as having discussions on a forum where we have experts on everything. And I don't know of any place else on the web so animated by wit, along with wisdom, on just about any topic.
I know. It is sad. I have one big window I need to do something about. I've had a couple of bluejays crash into it, even with the curtains closed. And lately, some of the finches have been flying up under the patio at the kitchen window. No crashes, but it's very strange. The finch feeders have always been along the edge of the patio and there have always been a lot of finches, but they just started the buzzing the window things....and it isn't because the feeders are empty.
It's funny, When I stared reading your post, my imagination took over. I'm picturing all these tarantulas climbing out of the eves of your house LOL.
I hate when that happens. My daughter has a large window in her room. I heard a thug and went to look and there was a big spot left on the window. I looked outside and saw nothing. I felt so bad.
Can't think of a thing that's different except that a lot of the birds and squirrels are acting weird lately, so perhaps it is related to the mating season.
I haven't seen any predatory birds in the immediate area. I think they've just got spring fever.
That's a relief. I hate watching the birds scramble to avoid a prediter. I know it's nature and I like to see Hawks, just not in my yard :).
There are hawks and eagles around, but I think they stick to the more open areas. I see them just a mile or so from here. There is no shortage of rabbits, squirrels and the like. I've no doubt they can find plenty to eat without staking out bird feeders. LOL!
The tarantulas are attracted to the bugs that are attracted to the flowers.
We have several tarantula nests in the pasture.
Like to have scared me to death the first time I was walking around back there and nearly stepped on one!
Ugh! :)
LOL! Funny-looking things, aren't they?
They get pretty good sized here. Probably 6 to 8 inches long.
Loads of Preying (?Praying?) Mantis, too. The girls like to find a big Mantis and wave their finger in it's face until it starts 'boxing' with them.
Still haven't got a good hummer pic yet. Hubby's hogging the camera, but he's off this weekend, so I'll try then.
Oh, Thanks BTW for starting this thread.
It's kind of become my sanctuary when the political debate gets to be too much!
I sure understand that, and the more asinine the political landscape becomes, the more we NEED sanctuary!
See! I KNEW you were a smart lady from the start!
:)
My husband and I went to a garden show today at the Tulsa Garden Club. It was mostly displays on getting your garden ready for spring planting. There were different local nurseries there with a limited amout of stuff to sell and brochures on plants.
There was one guy there who had a display on lighting accents in gardens. I got a good idea on how to light my garden at night. Last year I tried those small lights that are solar powered. I like them but they really didn't "light" the garden.
I'm going to run some electric cords out the windows and hang some Light under the eaves of the house that shine soft light out over the beds.
Becky
Where are you? I'm in Springfield, Delco and have five feeders. I'd rather watch the birds than TV.
There was a whole flock of robins in my back yard this morning. I told them to go south and come back for worms in April.
As would I. Understandable, considering that the average bird is far more intelligent and entertaining than TV programming aimed at the basest and most intellectually deficient members of society.
I've been trying to figure out a creative and attractive way to block the view on 3 sides...from outside and in. I have far more front and side yard than back yard and I could see potential for a closed in garden area, but it will take some planning to pull it off given the placement of existing trees and bushes. I would also like to block the view from the back, but the property line runs literally just outside the boundary of the back porch, so I am very limited. There is no one living behind me right now, but when there is someone there, the way it is now, the view from their front porch looks right onto my back porch and into my dining area, which is where my computer is set up. Perhaps a lattice work panel off the porch rail and some climbing roses would help there.
The little picket fence we enclosed the garden with makes our patio very private.Especially in the summer when the morning glories are growing. I have a climbing rose bush on the front side now too.
Of course we have no near neighbors the require that amount of privacy. The fence was mainly to keep the dogs and horses from eating what I plant. And digging.
When we built this house we placed the front facing the back. We decided we'd rather look at our land vs. the road. Just doing that gave us lots of privacy. After 25 years here, I don't think I could get use to having people be able to see us when we are out in the yard.
Becky
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