by Midge Goeth

From previous articles in this newsletter, you know that I have been in the throes of re-constructing a portion of my back yard. The major component of the re-construction was the removal of a very large fir tree. That has obviously opened up an entire new vista and eliminated afternoon shade from a major part of the yard. I knew I would be dealing with these issues as time went by, but one thing I did not think about in advance, was the effect the absence of that tree would have on the bird life in my yard.

I have been a bird-watcher for many years and take delight in watching the movement and antics of the various species that visit my back yard. Even though birds did not nest in the tree, it provided shelter from predators, a place to rest out of the weather, a good place to fly into and out of while visiting my feeding station, and even attracted migrating pine siskin in early spring.

I realized several days after the tree came down how accustomed the birds were to having the fir as a landing field. The sparrows, chickadees, tufted titmouse, and finches particularly would circle the yard and fly through the empty tree space several times as if to say "What happened? Where is that tree?!" Fortunately, it did not take them long to develop a new flight pattern using my neighbor's maple and oak tree.

I am sitting now on my deck in the early morning shade of my neighbor's oak tree, watching the regular breakfast crowd at the feeders. There is a pattern that repeats itself every morning. The sparrows and finches feed first. The shy American Gold Finch and Chickadees are next, followed by cardinals, doves and blue jays. When I have suet or dough out, the woodpeckers and blackbirds dominate.

Birds are like people and most living things in that they need the three basics to survive and thrive: food, water and shelter. Most of us who have an interest in growing bonsai also have back yards that can provide these three basic ingredients to attract many species of birds.

Cool, clear water … most animals depend on it, and our feathered friends are no exception. In fact, the fanciest birdhouses and tastiest seeds won't draw them to your yard quite like an inviting birdbath or pond.

Why? Because for birds, bathing is more than just a cool splash and a drink -- it is a matter of survival. Healthy feathers make for easy flying. Not only that, but they are a birds built in air conditioning system, needing regular "tuneups" to wash away dirt and pests. Without clean, healthy feathers a bird may have a wing, but not a prayer.

When it comes to finding a place to bathe, birds are not picky -- a simple puddle on the ground will do just fine. You can easily create a puddle by overturning a garbage can lid and filling it with water. Even the saucers that flower pots rest in can be used to provide a birdbath.

Pedestal birdbaths are very popular. Ornate concrete baths can cost $100 or more. A very good friend of mine just added a carved, rather contemporary marble birdbath to his courtyard garden. I have a very simple hand formed clay birdbath, which the birds sometimes drink from, but usually fly past on their way to the small waterfall in my pond. A whole lot of splashing goes on there!!

In any case, be it simple, ornate, cheap or expensive, birdbaths need to be shallow, with gently sloping sides and filled with clean, fresh water. Since most of the feathered creatures you will attract will not have webbed feet, they will appreciate a bath no more than 2 1/2 inches deep so they may enter and leave easily. Place a stone in the middle to give birds a landing pad, and be sure to change the water daily with a spray from your garden hose to keep it clean and cool.

A pond, whether it's constructed of concrete, fiberglass, plastic, or a flexible liner, will add a lovely touch to your back (or front) yard. If you would like to build your pond a little deeper (particularly if you need to provide for wintering a fish population), make sure to position large stones in it for birds to perch on, or make one end of the pool just a few inches deep.

Pond kits with filters and pumps are available at many garden centers and hardware stores. Or you can go all out and build your own larger, deeper pond. Just remember that you may be inviting visits from long legged herons and webfooted ducks and geese.

If there is one thing birds enjoy more than bathing in fresh clean water, it is bathing in fresh, clean, moving water. The sound of flowing or dripping water will draw them to your yard like a magnet. While drip spouts and fountains may be bought for birdbaths and ponds, everyday items like a garden hose or bucket will do the trick easily and inexpensively.

For example, placing a bath under a tree will allow you to tie your garden hose in the branches. Then turn the hose on just enough so that water slowly drips into the bath. Or, put a tiny hole in the bottom of a bucket, fill it with water and hang it over the bath.

Location, location, location. We've all heard it and it is important for baths and ponds as well as our homes. Larger, bolder birds such as blue jays, and robins like bathing in open, sunny spaces, while shy birds like warblers, chickadees and thrushes prefer the safety of shaded areas near trees and bushes. A good compromise is a bath with cover nearby, or better yet, more than one bath in your yard.

Finally and most importantly, place birdbaths and ponds where you can easily watch the lively antics of the feathered friends who will flock to them. While writing this article, I have been enjoying the sights and sounds of my backyard birds. Oh, and one more thing. The sight of a bright red male cardinal perched on my Japanese black pine brings a smile that lasts all day long.