I recently traveled to Costa Rica, and that I was immediately struck by the amount of birds fluttering around in the treetops from dawn until dusk. We took several jungle hikes and appreciated private gardens, all of which provided different habitats for the birds. I had been struck by the natural look of these habitats as opposed to an overly formal and contrived setup. The focus was really on and for its birds, and design and function met in an ideal dance.
When developing a natural habitat, Costa Ricans concentrate on four specific requirements; nesting, water, perches and florals. Food, in the kind of fresh fruit, is plentiful from the jungle yearlong, thus there’s not plenty of bird feeders. Rather, attempts are made to offer secure spaces where birds may nest, perch and wash. Additionally, I ran into plenty of rescue bird surgeries and found them fascinating and magic. Listed below are a few tips I learned from observing the gardens of the jungle as well as the birds that live there.
Amy Renea
Provide Homes for Mama and Baby Birds
When raising their young, many birds are mutually protective. This small one flew directly to the house one day and we released it to its mama, who had been crying for it directly outside.
Many local businesses in Costa Rica rescue birds from the wild and cage them for protection. The ecorestaurant on Lake Arenal as well as Toad Hall nearby both had saved toucans and parrots. In case you decide to permanently rescue a wounded bird, then be aware you have to register it and the ideal place for these birds is that the wild if they can remain there.
Urban Hedgerow
Providing nesting materials will guarantee new small ones born in your garden each year. Try out a cool setup similar to this or throw the hair from the hairbrush and small pieces of moss and hay out from the garden. The birds will locate them.
See how to create bird and bug habitats at the city
Amy Renea
While trekking in the jungles, we found a lot of giant holes like these on straight-cut subway walls. For a very long time, we were scared to death of these, imagining giant snakes appearing. We learned that a large quantity of these holes are actually nesting holes for birds. Can you provide this kind of mud-wall environment in your garden? You might be amazed by the variety of birds that appear.
Fivedot
You might also think of designing a spacious, protected space when constructing your new house. Birds and other creatures love the peace and protection of this distance under a porch, and you would have a constant show of wildlife with a setup like this.
Greener Living Solutions
Produce Watering Holes
Natural cavities and drops in rocks are often located at the jungle. They gather rainwater, making the perfect bathing hole for the birds.
Look at developing a similar cavity in cement for your garden. The birds are sure to gather at a watering hole like this.
Liquidscapes
Some birds like to property in the middle of a wide-open distance to avoid predators hiding in the brush, while some others like a small cover to avoid predators at the atmosphere. Think about a low planting round a natural-looking watering spot for the latter. My chickens would adore a space in this way.
Garden Design, Inc..
Offer Sweet Perches
To repel critters that need ample area, consider a artistic arrangement of rocks where they can perch.
Amy Renea
Costa Rican architects are masterful at supplying alluring perches for birds. Safe yet spacious railings and roofing trusses abundant from the indoor-outdoor living spaces are perfect for the birds.
Fenton Roberts Garden Design
Similarly, it is possible to offer this kind of environment in your garden on a smaller scale. Weaving plants amid perching spots will ensure that lots of birds come to play.
Le jardinet
From the jungle, greenery is plentiful and nearly overwhelming at times. It is loved by the birds. Just a tiny moss creeping on your birdbath is beautiful and inviting to birds looking for a soft place where they can wet their feet and their beaks.
Amy Renea
Provide a Rainbow of Blooms
Colour matters. Hummingbirds are drawn to red, and also a mass planting of red flowers will pop out from a blanket of green.
Amy Renea
Shape matters. Those hummingbirds like tall, spiky plants, like salvia, as well as plants with long, tubed stamens and pistils. Hibiscus (shown here from the wild) is a favorite.
See more plants and flowers hummingbirds love
Amy Renea
So if you plant a few new tropical plants this summer, include a perch or two or just add a sunken rock for a few natural water collection. The birds will thank you.
Shown: Costa Rican ducks
See more about gardening and landscaping with wildlife in mind
