Designing a Pond for the Birds

If birds put a spring in a gardener’s step, then a pond beloved by birds is a delight to the water gardener and the bird watcher. Birds bring joy to a pond with their songs, and they are a type of urban and suburban wildlife that is so easy to observe. For those who want to attract more birds to the pond, here are some ways to invite them.

Why Attract Birds to the Pond?

Birds are an essential part of the pond ecosystem. Inviting birds into the garden means that these birds will eat insects. Birds also spread seeds in the garden, and hummingbirds pollinate flowers around the garden.

Pond Fountains and Warm Water are Elements of Pond Design for the Birds

Birds appreciate moving water. A slow-moving pond fountain or a moving bird bath is a perfect place for a bird to bath or drink. A pond fountain or bird bath that can be warmed slightly in the winter time will provide a source of water for winter birds. Make sure that the bird bath or pond is easy to clean and scrub it regularly to ensure clean water for the birds.

Plant Flowers and Berries Near the Pond to Provide Food for Birds

There are a number of edible wetland and riparian plants that provide excellent berries for birds. The species vary from region to region. For example, two native food berries from the Pacific Northwest are the salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and the thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus). Try to choose native species of plants so that the birds will be able to feed off local berries. Gardeners in the Americas can also plant red and pink bell-shaped flowers to provide a food source for hummingbirds.

Bushes and Nesting Supplies Around the Pond Encourage Birds to Stay

A bird who is in the open at a fountain or a bird bath may begin to feel exposed. Neighborhood cats may come calling for that bird, and trouble can ensue. Make sure that there are bushes near the pond that provide enough height and a dense enough thicket for birds. That way, predators will have a harder time finding the birds. Birds that feel comfortable around the pond may also choose to nest close by. Pond sedges and rushes and fuzzy pond plants like the cattail provide a good source of nesting material for birds.

Create a Space for Bird Watching With Binoculars and a Bird Blind

The true bird enthusiast may want to create a somewhat hidden place to watch the garden birds. While some may watch birds using binoculars at the kitchen window, it is also possible to create a seat by the pond that has a shade. A long shade can act as a bird blind. Heavy shrubs can also act as a partial blind so that a gardener with a pair of binoculars can easily spot the birds coming to the pond.

Bird-watching and gardening come be complementary endeavors. Garden elements like fountains, bird baths, shrubs, reeds, and more provide opportunities for birds to wash, eat, hide and nest. Create a pond garden that is friendly to birds, and the gardener may discover a new love of bird-watching and creating bird habitats.