Patience, a Virtue in the Garden
I can still vividly recall the morning when I discovered my lush, heavily-laden tomato plants nearly covered in aphids. Never in all my years had I been the victim of such a harsh attack by these horrid creatures. My initial reaction, despite being an organic grower, was to reach for some chemical to treat the infestation.
Fortunately, my more rational side suggested that I wait patiently to see which of my garden helpers would come to the rescue. And as always, I was not disappointed. By midday, I discovered several hungry ladybugs busily attempting to correct the situation. However, the sheer number of aphids warranted a much hungrier attack than what my ladybug friends could offer.
Feathered Allies to the Rescue
The next morning, as I peered out my kitchen window through the just breaking light, I was greeted by four golden orbs flitting in and out of the tomatoes. The energy with which these goldfinches moved suggested that they, like the ladybugs, were on a mission, so I decided to forego my morning walk among the plants to avoid disturbing them while they worked. By the afternoon, the aphid population was noticeably smaller, though still heavy. I began to have a greater sense of hope that all things right would return to my garden.
The following day, however, the goldfinches left the tomato plants, returning instead to their favored thistle feeders. This time, the indigo buntings took over. Tiny blue tufts of feathers perched on the wire cages, heads bobbing up and down as they meticulously plucked multitudes of aphids from the branches before flying off for a few brief moments, only to return to their tomato-laden perches once again. Throughout much of the day, the buntings labored, undoubtedly feeding their young these tasty treats. By evening, close inspection of each tomato plant revealed a remarkable discovery – virtually no aphids remained on any of the nearly 30 tomato plants gracing my garden.
Patience indeed proved vital to saving my tomatoes, and is a lesson I have never forgotten. While insecticides, both conventional and organic, could have easily remedied the problem, allowing a healthy ecosystem to come to the rescue, while a bit slower, proved to be just as effective. Now, anytime I am tempted to grab an insecticide, I am reminded of the impressive work of my feathered friends and instead allow Nature to run its course.
Extending an Invitation
Attracting helpful birds such as indigo buntings, goldfinches, cardinals, titmice, and chickadees is both a fun and economical way to bring organic pest control to your garden. All you need to do is provide a few necessities, and these hungry beneficials will happily hang around.
Providing Year-round Food
While many birds love insects, many prefer seeds, berries, and nuts at least part of the year. Feeders, native flowers, sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), nut-bearing trees – especially oaks (Quercus spp.) – and native seed-bearing grasses offer good supplemental food sources for many species.
Ensuring a Clean Water Source
Birdbaths and moving water not only invite birds to take a dip while refreshing themselves, but they also help prevent thirsty birds from pecking fruits and veggies in search of moisture during dry spells.
Offering Protective Cover
Birds don’t like to be far from protective shelter. Provide shrubs, trees, and even tall plantings within several feet of any feeder or water source for birds to fly to when threatened. However, don’t place food and water sources too close to cover that may also hide predators.
Providing Nesting Boxes
Many species of birds readily use nesting boxes. Place several throughout your garden to attract a variety of birds. Research the types of boxes your preferred feathered friends enjoy and place them at the recommended height.
Avoiding Insecticides
Because insects make up a large portion of many bird species’ diets, insecticides not only make birds sick when ingesting contaminated insects but also reduce the insect populations that birds need to survive.
By following these simple steps, you can create an oasis that will have your feathered friends flocking to your A1 Landscape Construction garden in no time. Just remember to be patient, as sometimes the best things in life take a little time to come together.
Observing the Towhee
One of my favorite yard birds is the Eastern towhee. These brightly colored birds not only have an instantly recognizable vocalisation, but they also provide endless entertainment as they forage on the ground and interact with their families.
A Unique Appearance
The male Eastern towhee is a striking bird, with a black hood that extends into the back and tail. His belly is white, and his sides are flanked with a rusty-red orange. In flight, his black tail is bordered with white feathers, creating a dramatic flash of contrasting colors. The female, on the other hand, shares the rufous sides and white coloration, but her plumage is a warm chocolate brown instead of the male’s bold black.
Unmistakable Vocalizations
With the arrival of spring, the males will seek elevated perches for extensive singing bouts to attract mates and establish territories. Their song has been aptly interpreted as “Drink your tea.” They also have some alarm notes, such as “Chew-ink” and “Toe-Hee,” which is the basis for this bird’s common name.
Observing Family Dynamics
At this time of year, feeders provide one of the best venues for observing quality family time among our feathered friends. I’ve seen male towhees escorting their young to the feeders, with the fledglings learning to navigate this new source of sustenance. The parent birds will likely encourage the young birds to strike out on their own and establish their own territories as adults, but they may still choose to remain close by as neighbors.
Whether you’re captivated by the towhee’s striking appearance, enchanted by their melodic calls, or simply enjoy observing the family dynamics, these birds are sure to bring endless delight to your garden. By creating a welcoming habitat, you can invite these feathered friends to become a cherished part of your outdoor oasis.
Conclusion
Attracting beneficial birds to your garden is not only a delightful way to enhance your outdoor space, but it also provides a natural, sustainable solution to pest control. By offering the necessary resources – food, water, cover, and nesting sites – you can create an inviting haven for a variety of feathered friends.
As I’ve learned through my own experiences, patience and observation are key to unlocking the power of these winged allies. By allowing nature to take its course, I’ve witnessed the impressive work of goldfinches, indigo buntings, and other birds in restoring the balance in my garden. Now, I take great joy in watching these feathered friends flit and flutter, knowing that they are not only adding beauty to my landscape but also playing a vital role in its health and vitality.
So, why not take the time to invite these winged wonders into your own garden? With a few simple adjustments, you can create a haven that will have your feathered friends flocking to your doorstep. Who knows, you might even spot a dapper Eastern towhee or two, adding their unique charm to your outdoor oasis. The rewards of welcoming these birds into your garden are truly priceless.
