Introduction to Bird Essentials M ost of us have, at some time, gathered a handful of bread crumbs and thrown them onto the snow, hoping to lure a hungry sparrow into view. The excitement of feeding birds is shared by young and old alike. Birds are a form of urban wildlife which offers year-round enjoyment. There is something special about catching a glimpse of red as a cardinal flies by on his way to the feeder, and nothing announces the coming of spring like a vanguard of robins hopping across your yard, searching for worms. Birds are beautiful to watch and fascinating to listen to.
Many people enjoy trying to mimic their songs.
Swallows and purple martins have insectivorus habits. Purple martins prefer nesting boxes which are subdivided into apartments, from several room varieties on up to 200-room styles. A colony such as this will, through natural means, keep your lawn and garden fairly well cleared of insects. Shrubs, trees, vines, and other plants that serve the various needs of birds can also be pleasing to the human eye and bring beauty to the property. While you are providing places where birds can feed, sing, court, and nest, you are also landscaping your lawn and garden.