Birds in the garden

We are looking to formally incorporate birding across activities at The Green School during the last half of this school year and into the future. Right here, in the heart of Belair-Edison we have many exciting species already, from a resident hawk that feeds on pigeons, to woodpeckers, to invasives like the asian sparrow.

One of my keen interests for our pollinator/native garden, Urganic Teaching garden and school and neighboring church grounds in general are doing things that attracts and holds birds (and wildlife, and beneficial insects, and of course pollinators).

Last year we planted patches of cone flower and black-eyed susan and were rewarded with goldfinches. Nothing like the bright colored birds to excite students about birds!!!

So, how excited was I to find an article in Organic Gardening about that very subject titled "The Best Birds for Your Garden - find out how to attract these beautiful birds and why"

I know the basic for attracting critters - good and bad. Food, water and harborage. I know from putting out the right seed in feeders one can attract certain birds. This article takes it a step further and teaches you how to keep them around and their benefits!

So, go to www.organicgardening.com and do a search for birds.