All Good Things

It seems like it took a long time to have the SJC garden become much of a sanctuary for birds. I wasn't sure if it was because there were really not many bird friendly plants before I transformed the gardens or if it was because of the large quantity of crows in the area, but there was not much variety for a while. I remember going to a backyard bird feeding store once years ago (whatever happened to those?) and the proprietor explained to me that I had to attract birds somehow and once I got a few, the others would realize that the area was safe and more would come to make their home in my gardens. Well, now we have birds! Most of the houses are filled along with nests in the climbing roses, nests on the ground that have fallen out of the new trees, and even nests behind the outdoor TV by the pool (I also have to attract sports loving men). The other evening DH and I were in the garden enjoying the late day sun and we could hardly hear each other for the chatter of baby bird demanding food! Birds are an important element in an organic garden because they dine on bugs and help keep the balance. I'm not sure what finally got the birds to feel comfortable. I quit filling the feeders a couple years ago because they were attracting rats at night, so there is no additional seeds to bring them in, but there are plenty of trees, berries, naturally occurring seeds and fruit. There are a few sources of water including running water that attract them (as well as the bees). I have noticed that there are not so many crows around this year. A few crows and ravens seem to live around here but the large roving flocks that would sometimes descend on the property have all but disappeared. Whatever the reason we are thrilled to have the wrens, sparrows, grosbeaks, orioles, tanagers, finches, hummingbirds, phoebes, and owls visit the garden. Would an occasional swallow be to much to ask?