Birds are useful in the garden. They feed on insects, and thus protect plants from parasites. In addition to this, they help plants reproduce. To attract them to your garden, consider giving them water, which is an essential and vital element. Find out how to make a homemade waterer to allow birds to quench their thirst.
Water is a vital element for birds. They certainly find it in nature, but in periods of severe drought or frost, this natural resource becomes rare. To help birds drink and attract them to your garden, consider building a water trough for them.
How to make a bird drinker?
You will just need a bottle of water and a plastic container.
Remove the lid from the can, and unscrew the cap from the bottle. Next, place the neck of the bottle in the center of the container lid and mark the circumference of the neck with a marker. Cut out the circle you drew. Using a drill, make a hole on all 4 edges of the plastic box lid, and drill a hole in the cap, so the water can drain out. Fill the box halfway with water, and close the lid. Also fill the bottle halfway with water and screw on the cap. Coat the latter with glue and insert the neck of the bottle in the middle of the lid, in the circle you cut out. All you have to do is wrap a sturdy wire around the bottle to hang it. Install your waterer in the shade, and not too close to the ground to protect birds from predators.
The birds will be able to quench their thirst thanks to the 4 holes drilled on the lid of the plastic box. In fact, thanks to their fine beak, they will be able to drink the water that flows from the bottle and fills the container. Remember to change the water regularly and disinfect the water bowl to prevent the spread of diseases. In winter, it is recommended to place your waterer in a sunny location, or to fill it with lukewarm water, so that it does not freeze.
How to feed and attract birds to the garden?
Besides giving them something to drink, there are different ways to attract birds to your garden. You can actually think about feeding them. To do this, set up a feeder and fill it with seeds such as sunflower seeds, proso millet or even cracked corn, which is the preferred seed for most birds, provided that it is not contaminated with pesticides. . On the other hand, avoid giving them dry biscuits, bread or any food that contains processed carbohydrates.
Also consider building a bird shelter. A nest box could encourage them to settle in your garden. Place the bird nest box high up to protect these garden helpers from predators. Also make sure the entrances are different sizes, to accommodate a variety of species.
You can also plant trees, bushes, or plants that may attract birds. In fact, many birds are attracted to fruits and berries. Consider planting a fruit tree, such as a raspberry or apple tree, to attract birds to your garden. Also, certain plants help attract insects which in turn attract birds. This is the case with thyme and lavender which attract bees, butterflies and beetles.
By installing a bird drinker, you not only help these gardeners to quench their thirst, but you encourage them to settle in your garden, in order to protect your plants from pests , and to promote plant reproduction.
