Spring Time ... It's for the Birds

Some of you might have noticed that spring is in full effect. This time of year is especially lovely for bird watching. I personally look forward to each morning when the sounds of mockingbirds, black crows and house sparrows greet me from outside of my window.

Their songs bring such joy to the start of my day that I have been inspired to share some of the ways in which we can help sustain the native and migratory bird populations. We can do so by creating a native oasis with a bird house, bird feeder or a simple green space.

Although I am no avid bird watcher, I do appreciate their role in the natural system. When birds have access to local and native food resources they help to cultivate new native plant growth when they “deposit” the remnants of their food into the soil. Birds assist in pollination of plants and aid in controlling insect populations. Birds also offer a kind of simple beauty and joyful song. They are iconic representations of freedom. They are, above all, wild and beautiful. 

Most of the birds that we see in Pinellas County are permanent residents, but during certain parts of the year, we can see many different migratory species that need serious assistance to have urban-suburban green spaces to rest and replenish. One of the migratory birds traveling through Florida is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird which will be heading north from late February to mid-March.

So, if you would like to create a green space in your yard then be sure to check out the Florida Native plant website which lists plant species and their companion wildlife (such as birds and butterflies).

Some of the plants that I researched are all Florida natives and tend to colonize since they produce many berries. Beauty Berry, Firebush, Rudbeckia and Tickseed. 

For those of you who would prefer to give back to the birds as well as build something, then perhaps a bird feeder or a bird house would be a suitable gift from you. I have made a few bird houses and have found that checking out local thrift stores or using recycled items such as plastic laundry detergent bins, old Pringles containers, scrap wood and an old tuna can work perfectly. Bird houses can be as detailed or simple as you wish; it just depends on how much you want to put in to it. These types of crafts are also good for children on a weekend. Here are directions to make a simple bird feeder:

1. Acquire a Pringles container and a tuna can.
2. Place the Pringles container right side up.
3. Cut the empty Pringles container about a half inch from the bottom to the size of the washed out tuna container. Be sure that the can sits firmly in the container.
4. Add the bird seed to the top of the can.
5. Place it in a natural space like a tree if you can or at least where the local cats can’t reach.
6. Then watch as the birds come!

For information on how to take advantage of the seasonal squash and make a bird feeder then check out this link. Or, to outfit your garden, visit the on Broadway.

Once you have created your feeders, expect to see some of these birds visiting in your backyard: House Sparrows, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Blue Jay, Purple Martin, as well as the American and Fish Crow. All of these birds can be found in Florida at various times of the year living in yards, near gardens and in trees. These species in particular are known to frequent yards more often as well as eat from the bird feeders.

With all of that said I hope that each of you is enjoying this wonderful spring time transition. Next time you are walking around Dunedin be sure to look up, down and all around to take in the sounds and sights of our local birds. 

For more information on Florida’s Native Birds check out Audubon of Florida. For good birdwatching in Dunedin, visit the Rotary Centennial Nature Center at .