Cats and Birds | Helping Birds
Naturescaping and bird-friendly gardens
Naturescaping, or natural landscaping, can be described as landscaping for ecologically sound, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes through the use of plant species native to the region. Naturescaping promotes creating landscapes that restore, preserve and enhance wildlife habitat in urban and rural areas.
The purpose of naturescaping is to create a landscape that is both beautiful and provides habitat for native plant and animal species.
How to make your garden bird-friendly
You can use simple naturescaping techniques to make your garden bird-friendly. In urban environments where the natural habitat is often compromised, you can support birds by providing them with food, water, and shelter during their migration or the nesting season. It is important to remember that the best habitat for birds is comprised of a variety of native plants that are pesticide-free.
Naturescaping tips for birds:
- Choose only native plants in your garden.
- If you notice introduced plants and weeds in your garden, remove them and properly dispose of seeds to stop the spread of invasive species.
- Plant perennials and nectar-bearing flowers.
- Plant shrubs to provide hiding and nesting spots as well as natural cover from precipitation and predators.
- Birds tend to use lichen, twigs, pine needles, dry grasses, plant fluff and bark strips for nesting. Offer these materials in your garden to help birds make the most impressive nests in your backyard!
- Create a small garden pond to help birds stay hydrated.
Pick the right guide for your bird-friendly garden
Below are six different resources from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation developed for various regions of BC:
- BC Central Interior
- BC Coast and Mountains
- BC Georgia Basin
- BC Northern Region
- BC Southern Region
- BC Southern Interior Mountains
Click to learn more about naturescaping in BC…
