Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information

The sound of birdsong is only one of the benefits of having birds frequent your Santa Cruz real estate. Depending on the type of birds you attract, they may also reduce the insect pest population. Here are some ways to attract birds to your property:

• Install a bird bath. Finding a good place to take a bath can be a challenge for birds, especially in dry weather. If they can find it in your backyard, you’ll have the joy of watching them bathe. If you have a cat, just make sure that you’re not creating mayhem; keep her inside, or get a hanging bird bath that will be inaccessible to her. Bird baths come in a wide range of styles and materials, from ceramic to metal to resin and more. Keep it filled, because the birds will come to rely on it.

• Put up some bird houses. Whether you have a wide open space suitable for purple martins, or a small city lot, you should be able to attract some tenants to the appropriate bird house.  Not all birds are cavity nesters, but some that are include chickadees, wrens, bluebirds and nuthatches. If you dabble in woodworking, building a bird house is a great first project for kids.

• Grow a variety of plants. Birds will not be attracted to a bare lawn. Good bird habitat includes trees, shrubs and flowering plants that provide cover, shade and food such as insects or berries.

• Put up a bird feeder. This is especially important during winter months, but some people feed birds year round. Hummingbird feeders are popular in summer, as nothing inspires wonder like watching tiny hummingbirds hover in mid-air. Alternatively, you can plant flowers that attract hummers. In general, they are said to prefer red, tubular flowers, but they can be seen visiting many types of flowers, including irises, honeysuckle and salvias.

• Be still. Sit outside, not too close to your bird bath/bird house/bird feeder, and observe. If you’re quiet and make no sudden moves, your birds will become accustomed to you and eventually feel at home. You may be surprised at the variety of birds you can attract.

If you’re looking for Santa Cruz real estate that has a nice yard for birds and humans, I can help.  Give me a call at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.