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One of the objectives of the Caroline County Garden Club is the conservation of the natural beauty of our county, including the protection of birds. How do birds contribute to the beauty of our county? The most obvious way they do is just by being their naturally gorgeous selves. Seeing a striking red cardinal, a bright bluebird, or the vibrant yellow of a goldfinch at any of my feeders is to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature’s most beautiful handiwork. The absence of birds at our feeders or in our gardens would be a real loss, but the loss would extend beyond the aesthetic.
Birds play a vital part in the ecosystem. They distribute seeds via their “droppings.” Their “deliveries” on your just-washed car may be a delivery you can do without, but when their droppings help spread seeds that sprout into new plants, that’s a benefit. Birds are great for insect control and cut down on the need for chemical insecticides, which is a good thing for everyone. And think about the less-than-lovely buzzards you see picking through an animal carcass on the side of the road; not a lovely sight but the alternative of carcasses lying about for an extended length of time. Not a pretty picture. (Or smell!)
This winter can be particularly hard on the bird population. It has been colder and snowier, and the Avian Flu is impacting wild birds in addition to domestic poultry. Help prevent the spread by regularly cleaning bird feeders and noting sick or dead birds. To report suspected bird flu in Maryland, you can call the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Program at (410) 841-5810. You can also email MD.Birdflu@maryland.gov.
Birds that are looking for homes would appreciate birdhouses and nesting materials as they begin to raise their new families. If you can, consider leaving a corner of your garden “wild” by creating a brush pile of fallen tree limbs, branches, and leaves. Such an area makes a great shelter for smaller birds. These simple steps can help add to the beauty of your yard, our county, and the world.
