There are about 450 species of birds that have been recorded in Orange County. How many have you seen in your garden?
For those interested in attracting a diversity of bird life to their gardens, it is fall and winter that affords the greatest opportunity.
Many garden birds are year-round residents and are well known to most gardeners. But, due to our mild Mediterranean climate, it is during the fall and winter months that the bird diversity may triple.
Many species, which spend their summers in more northern climates, have now returned to Orange County to feast upon our plentiful supply of seeds, insects and berries.
Kinglets, thrushes, vireos, juncos, waxwings, robins and many species of warblers and sparrows all but disappear from our gardens during the summer, but return in abundance in the fall and winter.
Are you seeing these birds in your garden? You should be. If not, maybe there is something missing.
In a garden, birds require three things: resting, nesting and food. Resting refers to places to hide and avoid danger. Nesting means areas for birds to build nests and raise young.
But one of the best ways to attract a larger variety of birds, especially at this time of year, is to provide a diversity of food sources — something that will appeal to the varied tastes of the many different bird species now in the region.
Beginners, hoping to attract birds to their garden, simply hang a bird feeder, fill it with “wild bird seed” and wait to see what shows up.
The answer is usually lots of house finches and a few house sparrows. These two seed-eating species will be delighted by your generosity. This is a good way to get started attracting birds, but this simplistic approach only attracts a very small portion of the wild bird potential.
Diversity of food prevents one species, such as house finches, doves or starlings, from dominating your garden, perhaps even spoiling your best intentions. On the other hand, plants that are laden with ripe fruits and berries, of the sorts that birds prefer, offer a sure way to greatly increase the value of your garden as a wildlife resource, while also adding seasonal interest and variety.
Many plants produce fall and winter berries or fruit.
Familiar garden plants, such as non-native pyracantha, cotoneaster, nandina and certain palms will help. But the berries from native plants attract a greater diversity of birds and often greater numbers as well.
