In late winter / early spring, a pair of red-tailed hawks begin their annual ritual of romance amongst our towering Eucalyptus trees. Early in the morning we see them perched on the tallest, barest branch huddled together in patient anticipation of the warmth of the sun’s rays. When afternoon temperatures rise, they gracefully dip and soar, gliding on the thermal air currents with elegant ease. Soon they will be flying back and forth carrying sturdy sticks and filaments of greenery to construct their massive nest among the more protected elbows of a solid Eucalyptus tree. And in about 60 days, we will hear the insistent chittering of their hatchlings.
Birds add such wondrous beauty, symphonic music as well as practical elements to the garden. The predators like our hawks help control the rodent population and resident phainopeplas, waxwings, jays, orioles and hummingbirds serve as efficient pollinators and insect controllers.
To encourage our winged visitors:
-
Provide a clean source of water for bathing and drinking.
-
Change water in birdbaths every other day.
-
Plant shrubs and trees around the birdbath, fountain or pond for shelter, nesting and protection.
-
Select perennial and annual plants bearing berries, fruit and nectar such as salvia, honeysuckle, butterfly bush, cotoneaster, holly, mulberry and pyracantha.
-
If food is scarce during the winter months, set out bird feeders, but be consistent in providing the supplemental feedings.
Your cart
