Winterizing your Garden for Birds
Article by Karen Andres
As we approach the colder months and begin to think about our feathered friends, take some time to consider how your plants and leaves can benefit them until spring. While birds rely on seeds and berries as the dominant food source in the winter months there are many ways to feed them naturally.
As I drove through my neighborhood one “garbage day” I noticed a neighbor had cut their ornamental grasses and put them in the trash. I saw thousands of seeds that would have been food for the birds. What was not seen was the possibility of eggs in the stalks of the grasses which overwinter inside andPhotograph, HYPERLINK “http://countryfile.com”countryfile.com
Trim your perennials down in the Spring after we have several days of weather in the 50’s. The warmer weather signals the insects to come out of their winter homes and begin their cycle of life. Many will become food for other insects and birds.
Last year we left the oak leaves that fell into the perimeter gardens only because we were tired of chipping and bagging and ran out of time. I have since learned that fallen leaves are beneficial to the overwintering insects. The leaves are still there, in the spring and we heard plenty of birds rustling the leaves looking for hidden insects. For a yard with no feeder and 3 water sources we have seen many birds come to our yard to nest, bathe and eat.
I don’t know if the photos I included are copyrighted or if it is ok to use them as long as they are given credit. If you aren’t sure about the copyright laws it may be better to leave them out. Photograph – Frank Heijiligers, Gardenista
Olllie
Life has changed in leaps and bounds this year. If you have met Ollie, you know I mean leaps and bounds. On February 12, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it was one year since I had to release my precious Penny into the arms of eternity. After a much too brief period of doglessness, Ollie came into my life – the personification of leaps and bounds. I don’t think this dog’s feet touch the ground. He just springs along. With my pup of boundless energy came some changes.
Changing of The Guard
Great South Bay Audubon has not held elections since before Covid. Many of our board members have stayed on passed what our bylaws designate. Our organization, like so many others, does not have volunteers beating down the doors and, so, the officers stay.
Brookside Park
It’s a new year and the New Years Resolutions have been made. It’s time to make changes to improve ourselves and that is exactly what we are about to do at the homestead. I’m talking about the Caretaker’s Cottage at Brookside. It’s time for a facelift and for that we need volunteers. We always need volunteers, I think every organization on the planet needs more volunteers.
