I do not put out birdseed anymore. It is more than an attraction for the birds, it is a staple for the rats. They live amongst all of us like the birds, just a bit more clandestinely and certainly less welcome. I miss watching the birds at the feeders, but I find consolation in the fact that the gardens are filled with plenty of fruits, seeds, berries and running water to keep the birds happy without any additional sources from the pet food store. Proof is that every year without fail there are baby birds in all the birdhouses scattered through the Laguna garden. I regret to admit that these houses do not get cleaned out annually as recommended, at least not by me, but the birds do not seems to mind any mess left by the previous tenants and settle in comfortably. The sounds of hungry baby birds fill the garden with another sensory delight. The sound of nature's music.
Friday, July 15, 2011
No Vacancy
I do not put out birdseed anymore. It is more than an attraction for the birds, it is a staple for the rats. They live amongst all of us like the birds, just a bit more clandestinely and certainly less welcome. I miss watching the birds at the feeders, but I find consolation in the fact that the gardens are filled with plenty of fruits, seeds, berries and running water to keep the birds happy without any additional sources from the pet food store. Proof is that every year without fail there are baby birds in all the birdhouses scattered through the Laguna garden. I regret to admit that these houses do not get cleaned out annually as recommended, at least not by me, but the birds do not seems to mind any mess left by the previous tenants and settle in comfortably. The sounds of hungry baby birds fill the garden with another sensory delight. The sound of nature's music.
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4 comments:
I have to tell you how much I enjoy the pictures of your gardens, they are so beautiful. I'm glad to hear you stopped feeding the birds, I also used to put out seed, but stopped once I noticed rats coming around. I still put out little containers of fresh water in the summer. I think there is plenty of natural food around for the birds and probably not good for them to be dependent on feeders. Also we have a cat with excellent hunting skills and the feeders were her own private drive-thru.
I also quit feeding birds around here...There is lots to eat. The hummers hang around all winter as it is. I used to feel attacked by them, a little like the Hitchcock movie 'The Birds." They swerved and dived at me. Always missed, but still... We have lots of water around, a little running fountain/birdbath, etc., so that's not an issue.
Water is my only contribution beyond what grows in abundance here. I'm hoping for a balance between pets, birds, squirrels and other rodents, reptiles and beneficial insects.
I really enjoyed your pictures wish I had a garden as beautifull as yours
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