Birdwatching is a very enjoyable past time, either alone or among friends. Attracting various species to your yard is easy with bird feeders, a bird bath and native plants.

Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators.

A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna. Whether it’s a pond or a bird bath, be sure this zone is well-maintained so you don’t inadvertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, change the bird bath water even more often.

A bird feeder in your backyard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by.

Just be sure your property is safe for birds. Unfortunately, birds don’t see clear glass. As a result, millions of birds die every year by striking glass. Don’t let your sliding glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.

To protect birds, apply special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight. For example, those from WindowAlert have the appearance of frosted glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds, so you don’t have to compromise your own view out your window. The brand also makes a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid, which should be applied between decals.

“Wildlife can beautify your garden and be a sign that your yard is healthy” said Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert. “But birds and other wildlife need food, shelter, and safety.”

So get out the binoculars! With a few small actions, you can make your yard or garden a wildlife refuge.

For more information on birdwatching and bird watching groups, visit the Los Angeles Audubon Society’s website at http://losangelesaudubon.org/

StatePoint Media