Birds
need shelter that provides protective cover for breeding and nesting.
Most of the birds like to stay near dense cover to evade predators.
Protective cover is also important for the birds when they sleep at night
and when the weather is oppressive. Birds frequently occupy areas strewn with weeds
and bushes.
The
best way to provide protective cover to the birds is to plant trees, shrubs,
perennials and grasses. Try to plant the species that are native to your
area. They will be less prone to disease and will need less maintenance.
As
the different species of birds have different habitat preferences,
try to select a combination of high and low trees, dense and thorny shrubs
to attract the greatest variety of birds. Grow the plants in groups in such
a way that the birds can travel unseen along an unbroken corridor of
vegetation.
The
edges where the wooded areas and open spaces meet are the places most
frequented by the birds. Create a lush wild growth in one area of the
garden and leave a few standing dead trees and snags in the back yard.
While
planting the cover plants, keep in mind the prevailing winter wind
direction. Rows of evergreens or evergreens mixed with tall deciduous
trees are very effective for blocking wind. To create an effective
barrier, mix in small trees and shrubs along the protected side.
In
addition to growing plants there are other ways to provide protective cover
to the birds. One of them is to raise a brush pile
in your yard. Brush piles will be used by different kinds
of wild life, including birds, as hiding places. Use rocks or logs in the
base of the pile to create recesses. Plant native flowering/fruiting vines
to sprawl over the shelter to attract hummingbirds and songbirds. Weave
evergreen branches into the roof of your shelter to provide cover from
storms.
Picture:
www.wforanimals.com
Many
a time the birds would huddle together in a birdhouse to escape cold
and rain. When the breeding season is over, do not remove the birdhouses,
but let them stay there for the birds to use them as shelters.
You can also build specially designed roosting boxes that have short wooden dowels
installed inside on which the sleeping birds can perch.
in your yard. Brush piles will be used by different kinds
of wild life, including birds, as hiding places. Use rocks or logs in the
base of the pile to create recesses. Plant native flowering/fruiting vines
to sprawl over the shelter to attract hummingbirds and songbirds. Weave
evergreen branches into the roof of your shelter to provide cover from
storms. 
