How to Create a Backyard Bird Sanctuary

Learn how to create a bird sanctuary; includes details on landscaping to attract birds, building and installing bird houses and bird feeders.

With the advice of a representative from the Georgia Audubon Society, Ron helped an Atlanta family construct and install a variety of bird homes and feeders and plant several shrubs that are known to attract the area's native birds.

Essential Elements Providing a backyard habitat for birds is as simple as assuring these essential elements: Food - Provide feeders and plantings that offer a variety of seeds, flowers, and berries to wildlife. Water - Provide birdbaths, water gardens, or natural features with flowing water. Shelter and nesting sites- Provide a variety of active nesting areas or shelters that attract and protect birds and other wildlife. Bird boxes, natural cavities or woodpiles and vine tangles are attractive.

A well-planned and successful bird sanctuary has a lot of variety and many different levels of habitat. Different types of trees and shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, with a variety of thicknesses in the foliage are important. When a bird lands in a habitat that feels right to them, with good shelter, food and water, they may be coaxed into staying the winter. Research your area An essential step in preparing a bird sanctuary is research. Fortunately, bird enthusiasts throughout the United States have already done much of this research. The Atlanta Audubon Society has an excellent web site with helpful links providing all kinds of information about creating a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary.

Landscaping to attract birds In addition to the web resources above, a local nursery or home improvement center can be an excellent source for information about which plants are bird attractants and well suited for local climates. For more details on this topic, visit, Landscaping to Attract Birds. Take an inventory of what plants you already have in your backyard and see what you are missing. Variety is important. You need to consider having plants that will provide food and shelter throughout all four seasons. Some of the existing foliage in your yard may need to be removed to make room for more bird-friendly plants.

Planting tips A small, portable rototiller can be rented if needed to prepare the soil for planting areas. A posthole digger is very useful for planting larger plants.

Birdhouse construction A small bird box or birdhouse is a simple do-it-yourself project and an excellent activity to share with a child. The first step is to cut out the following pieces out of 1 X 6 cedar: Back 13 ¾" Sides 8 ¾" short side 15 degree bevel Front 8 ¾" long side 15 degree bevel Top 7 ¾" long side 15 degree bevel Bottom 3 7/8", clip corners ¾" in each way A Japanese hand saw in an excellent tool for simple cutting. Before nailing, see Ron's tip on helping children work with nails by creating pilot holes.

Assembly Begin by nailing the sides and bottom to the back of the birdhouse. Use a hole saw to bore an entrance in the front panel of the birdhouse. See Ron's hole saw tip. Nail the front panel onto the house. Complete the house by nailing on the roof. The birdhouse, suitable for Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatchescan, can be attached to a tall tree with 1 5/8" stainless steel screws and filled with wood shavings sold specifically as nesting material.

Birdhouse kits In addition to building your own birdhouse, a wide variety of bird feeders, birdbaths and birdhouses designed for everything from chickadees to turkey vultures, can be purchased at your local home improvement center. Many birdhouses can be purchased either pre-assembled or in kit form. A birdfeeder that attaches to a post or pole is a good choice because it can be situated anywhere in the sanctuary. Many of these feeders also come with a baffle, which is an excellent idea to prevent hungry squirrels or other rodents from climbing the post and stealing food intended for the birds. A two-pound sledge is a handy tool when installing bird feeders into the ground.

Prepare soil beneath the birdfeeders Seeds that have dropped to the ground can cause a health problem for birds. The seeds can rot and cause fungus and bacteria as well as attract rats and other rodents. To protect the birds from this potential hazard, remove any grass or soil (about 3") and replace it with large mulch material like pine bark. The dropped seeds will then filter down through the bark and decompose keeping the surface beneath the feeder more sanitary. To cut a uniform circle in the grass around each feeder, tie one end of a string to the post, let it out about two feet and then tie another loop and insert a container of chalk. Pull the string tight, give the chalk bottle a gentle squeeze and slowly work your way around the post. Remove the grass within the circle.

Feeding tips When adding a hummingbird feeder to a backyard habitat, keep it close to the house where the tiny birds can more easily be viewed. A suet feeder is a good addition for attracting Woodpeckers. Safflower seed is popular with a wide variety of birds but squirrels don't care for it. An excellent web site listing food favorites for different bird varieties is: Bird's Favorite Foods. Backyard Sanctuary designation Many backyard habitats and gardens meet wildlife sanctuary requirements and are worthy of recognition by the local Audubon Society. Many local chapters recognize these habitats. Some provide an attractive sign designating the property as a wildlife sanctuary. With a little help from your home improvement center, and the Audubon Society, you can get ideas for customizing your own backyard bird sanctuary.