Birds in Your Backyard : A Bird Lover's Guide to Creating a Garden Sanctuary

by Dolezal, Robert J.

• ISBN13: 9780762109975
• ISBN10: 0762109971
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-02-05
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary

Turn Your Backyard into a Sanctuary for Birds and Butterflies

Author Biography

Robert J. Dolezal has more than 34 years experience in every aspect of publishing. He was formerly publisher of Ortho Books and has authored several books including Reader's Digest Where the Birds Are. Dolezal has produced articles and photographs for publications such as National Geographic and Time.

Table of Contents

Rewards of Backyard Birds	p. 8
Enjoying Birds
Helping Nature
Benefiting the Birds
Helping the Gardener
Habitats in Home Gardens
Woodland and Shrub Habitats
Waterside and River Habitats
Flower and Nectar Habitats
Prairie, Meadow, and Grassland Habitats
Ecosystems and Habitats
Masterworks of Adaptation
Specialization
Backyard Habitats
Creating Bird Gardens in Home Landscapes	p. 26
A Place to Start
Your Surroundings
Site-Appropriate Gardens
The Existing Site
Choosing Plants and Features
Nesting and Rearing Features
Perches and Shelter
Providing Protection
Water Features
The New Garden Plan
Preparing for Care
Safe Access and Cautions
Schedules and Budgets
Resources and Information
Plus Two DIY Projects
Bird Gardens at Home	p. 48
Functional Birdhouses and Feeders
Building Bird Feeders
Chart-Feeders, Feed, and Birds
Natural Feeders
Mounting Feeders
Building Birdhouses
Chart-Birds and Their Birdhouses
Predator and Nuisance Guards
Mounting Birdhouses
Providing Fresh Water
Pumps, Filters, and Piping
Bird Garden Ponds and Streams
Other Desirable Features
Tensioned-Wire Perches
Plus Twenty-Seven DIY Projects
Plantscapes to Attract Birds	p. 94
Plants That Provide Birds with Food
The World of Butterflies
Attracting Butterflies
Plants That Provide Support for Nests
Plants for Nesting Materials
Plants for Shelter, Roosting, and Perching
Attracting Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds and Feeding
Site Requirements
Spacing Requirements
Planting Arrangements
Early Care
Fertilizers
Organic Pest and Disease Control
Chart-Controlling Common Pests and Diseases
Plus Two DIY Projects
Feed and Seed Basics	p. 122
Natural and Artificial Bird Feed
Suet and Fat
Bakery Treats and Sugar-Water Nectar
Growing Your Own Birdseed
Seasonal and Supplemental Feeding
Bird Feeder Care
Overcoming Feeder Pests and Problems
Plus One DIY Project
Bird-Watching	p. 136
Observing and Recognizing Birds
Bird Senses and Behaviors
The Secrets of Flight
Territory and Mating
Nesting and Shelter
Migration
Range
Identifying Bird Songs
Endangered Bird Species
Bird-Watcher or Birder
Birding Equipment
Using a Field Guide
A Bird-Watcher's Life List
Photographing Birds
Birding Gifts to Share
Field Guide to Backyard Birds	p. 162
The Origin of Birds
Modern North American Bird Orders
Common North American Birds
Common Hummingbirds
Common Butterflies and Skippers
Plants to Attract Birds	p. 230
Flowering Plants
Ground Covers, Vines, and Ornamental Grasses
Shrubs and Small Trees
Index	p. 260
Photo Credits	p. 272
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.