For The Birds

Joanne Quaglia

1One of the simplest pleasures in life is watching birds as they fly through the sky. It is a great way to observe nature. They zip from tree to tree and sing beautiful songs. One of the best things about bird watching is that you can do it right at home. By creating a bird friendly environment in your backyard with birdhouses, bird feeders, and plenty of trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract birds, you will have front-row seats to nature year-round.

2To get started, first decide which kinds of feathered creatures you want to attract. They will have to be birds that are common to your area. You will not likely attract seagulls, birds that live near water, if you live high atop a mountain. Next, find out which plants different bird species like to eat. For example, hummingbirds love flowers that provide nectar, a sweet, sugary liquid found deep inside flowers. To attract hummingbirds, plant petunias or hibiscuses, since these are good sources of nectar.

3Learning the food habits of the birds you want to attract is important. Many types of trees, shrubs, and plants produce fruits, berries, acorns, and nuts that serve as food sources for birds. Before planting anything, the first thing you should do is talk to an expert at your local garden center to find out which trees, shrubs, and wildflowers are native to your area. This will ensure that anything you plant will adapt well to the climate and will grow nicely to meet birds' needs.

4Aside from planting, a bird feeder is also an excellent way to attract birds to your backyard and to supply food. A bird feeder contains seeds or bird food. It is a good idea to have more than one bird feeder since different types of birds eat different foods. For example, finches and sparrows love seeds, while woodpeckers and orioles prefer fruits and berries. Having different types of feeders that provide a variety of foods will attract many birds to your backyard.

5Birds enjoy a day at the spa to relax and refresh as much as you do. Consider adding a birdbath to your backyard to attract birds. Birds will love having a source of clean, fresh water to drink and a place where they can clean up after a long flight. Always keep the birdbath clean and replace the water often to avoid attracting mosquitoes that can carry diseases.

6Since you will have plenty of birds around your backyard from all of your efforts, they will need shelter. Birdhouses are perfect for this purpose. Birdhouses protect birds from enemies such as the neighbor's cat and provide shelter from severe weather such as extreme heat or cold. Birds also build nests in trees, shrubs, and tall grass.

7Remember that you can observe birds year-round. Though many birds migrate to warmer climates when temperatures drop, others remain throughout the cold season. For instance, the blue jay is one of the most beautiful winter birds. Since food is difficult to find outdoors in the winter, keep your birdfeeders well stocked if you live in a colder climate. In addition, plant trees and shrubs that provide food to your feathered friends when temperatures drop.
Question
Why did the author write this passage?
Responses
A to share an entertaining story about bird watchingto share an entertaining story about bird watching
B to teach readers how to draw birds to their backyardsto teach readers how to draw birds to their backyards
C to explain why some birds migrate during cold weatherto explain why some birds migrate during cold weather
D to convince readers to protect threatened bird species