Celebrate the year of the bird
A couple of years ago I was fascinated by a large flock of birds that kept returning to our Spartan Juniper hedge. We are not true birders, but love watching whatever species are around.
I read my trusty Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds of North America, but could not identify these particular birds. Finally, I got a reasonable picture of an injured bird and sent to a birder friend.
He quickly replied, “Immature cedar waxwings, Of course.”
They were eating the juniper berries, had the characteristic mask and racing helmet head, as well as the yellow-tipped tail feathers, but were mostly gray. We also see a variety of raptors hunting the steep bank in front of our house or playing in updrafts.
Huge families of adorable California quail often wander through, eating weed seeds. Later in the summer, goldfinches, grosbeaks, crossbills and chickadees all cling to the millet and perch on spent sunflowers digging out the seeds.
One of my many goals is to get better at identifying birds and to create a habitat that many species will want to visit. Luckily, 2018 marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed.
In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate the “Year of the Bird” and commit to protecting birds today and for the next hundred years. This initiative is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, National Geographic, and BirdLife International. As part of the centennial celebration, these groups are disseminating tons of information that can help home gardeners learn about what birds require to thrive and about the kinds of plants that attract our flying friends.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that “… a typical neighborhood in Washington has more than 25 species of birds and mammals.” Each backyard is a habitat, and every homeowner is a habitat manager. Birds and other wildlife require three essential elements: shelter, food and water.
Shelter: Birds require shelter from harsh weather, safe places to escape predators, and reasonable nest building spaces. Gardeners can take stock of what their yards currently offer and consider adding additional plants or design elements that will nurture a variety of bird life.
More about birds next week.
For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit our web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu.