Summer is for the Birds, Too!    

Make it count: Nature walks are educational and informative fun for the whole family. To start, simply find a bird guide at a local bookstore and go on a bird-counting adventure. Kids and adults alike will enjoy keeping a tally of how many different species of birds can be found in the neighborhood. Increase the fun by photographing birds in the neighborhood and sharing the images and an account of your adventure with people across the nation by joining the Wildlife Watch through the National Wildlife Federation.

Feed the masses: Because of a high metabolic rate and the massive amount of energy required for flying, birds spend a big part of their lives either eating or searching for food. Help your feathered friends by providing a nourishing meal in the backyard. Hanging a bird feeder or planting native plants can provide a convenient source of nourishment for local bird populations. Keep feeders clean and filled with high-quality bird seed like Scotts® Songbird Selections® Regional Blends.  

For a fun project with kids, make your own bird feeder. Simply take a large pinecone and coat it with a layer of peanut butter then roll in bird seed and hang from a tree in the backyard. Make sure to hang bird feeders in front of a window or within sight of a balcony or porch to maximize the enjoyment of the feathered friends you never knew you had.

Splash zone: Birds need water to survive just like any animal but what makes them different from most animals is that they enjoy splashing around and bathing in the water, as well as drink it. This is especially true in the hot summer months. Adding a bird bath in the back yard can attract new birds and encourage cool water frolicking. The whole family will enjoy watching this fun from a window or porch, so place a bird bath near a window.

A wide variety of bird baths are readily available at nurseries and hardware stores nationwide but birds aren't selective-an inexpensive homemade bird bath will suffice. Simple bird baths can be made by placing large plant saucers or ceramic bowls on tree stumps, logs, or on top of larger pots. Water should be no more than 3 inches deep to provide a safe bathing environment for smaller birds. Keeping the bird bath clean and the water fresh for birds is essential when offering a healthy water source. To do this, make a habit of scrubbing out any bird droppings and algae weekly and replacing the old water with a fresh supply.

Get certified: Bird habitats are dramatically decreasing each year and with them go the bird populations. Help keep birds happy, healthy, and well-fed by creating a backyard habitat. Whether you live on a farm in the country or in an apartment in the city, creating a bird-friendly habitat is not only possible, it is easy! Birds require the basic elements of food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young. These elements are easily achieved with a bird feeder, a bird bath, a bird house, and trees or shrubs.

This tip compliments of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company