Bird Gardens: Welcoming Birds to Your Yard

21st-Century Gardening

by Stephen W. Kress (Contributor), Daniel M. Savercool (Contributor), Richard Thom (Contributor)

Most bird lovers simply put a bird feeder or bath in their yard and hope for the best, but there is much more that can be done to attract wild birds throughout the year. Like all plants and animals, birds require specific habitats, and this book is packed with ideas for creating bird-friendly gardens in any region.Using spectacular full-color photographs, "Bird Gardens" explains the interlaced biology of birds and plants, and how readers can provide refuge to wild birds threatened by habitat loss.

A comprehensive encyclopedia of bird-attracting plants is divided into six different geographic areas. Each plant was chosen for its ability to provide food, shelter, or nesting places, and because they are highly decorative and readily available.

Regional listings of common birds and nursery sources are also included.

Genres: Gardening, Birds, Reference, Nature, Animals, Nonfiction, Science

111 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For starters, this book has wonderful colorful pictures. Creating a habitat to encourage birds to visit (and live) in your yard is the overall goal of the author. Plants for hummingbirds, nesting structures, siting your feeder, stocking the stations, and information about bird baths is given.

It doesn't explain that if you live in the west versus the east, and you want to build a bluebird house, that the hole size is different. If you are new to this subject and find an activity that you are considering you may want to dig a little deeper elsewhere. The upside is that U. S. regions with recommended plants and common birds are shown in great detail.

Overall, if you want a nice first book about inspiring birds to visit you this may be one you'll want to consider. If you want to spend your money wisely my favorite book on birds is The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible by Sally Roth. I can't say enough nice things about it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a lot of information for those who wish to invite more birds into their yards and gardens. It covers basics like providing food, water, and shelter. It then goes into types of plants that can attract birds. I own other books that have more detailed information as well as ones for specific regions of the country or planting zones, but this is a good book for a beginner. Since it is published by the Audubon Society the information is accurate, whereas I've seen some books from other sources that contained information that was not. Nice illustrations and suggestions.

[Lee (of Shalott) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best for those beginning research into designing a bird-friendly garden.
Information is divided up into six zones (Northeast, Southeast, South Florida, Prairies & Plains, Western Mountains & Deserts, Pacific Coast), & lists the birds attracted to particular trees, shrubs, ground covers & vines.