Natural Ways to Repel/Attract Birds
By David Sadkin, Ph.D.
Volunteer Director of Education Services, Wildlife, Inc.
We have long taken the position that the use of toxic chemicals to control weeds,
promote growth, and eliminate insect and animal pests, has a multiplying and cascading
effect on the environment. We realize that people want green lawns, healthy trees and
plants, and a pest-free environment. However, there are natural ways to achieve these
goals that have far less negative impact on the environment. If individuals and
organizations (such as homeowners associations and golf course communities)
committed to employing natural (or less toxic) solutions to these problems, we would all
benefit.
Agricultural endeavors and individuals wishing to keep unwanted birds away might wish
to consider garlic! In preliminary findings published in the Journal of Agricultural and
Food Chemistry, researchers found that the more garlic they added to the bowls of caged
European starlings, the less the birds ate.
Professor Eric Block, of the State University of New York at Albany, says that garlic
products can be used as a natural, nontoxic bird repellent, keeping birds away from
valuable crops and even sensitive areas such as airport runways. A co-researcher reported
that birds who ate food laced with garlic reacted in much the same way humans do when
they eat hot peppers.
(Of course, this method may not work on Mexican or Italian birds.)
Attracting birds without a feeder
For those wishing to attract beautiful or beneficial birds, avoid the bird feeder. We have
stated before that bird feeders often cause more problems than they solve: feeder food is
not a balanced diet, and birds will neglect foraging for the requisite food needed for
health. Spilled seed attracts nuisance animals. Birds at feeders are easy prey for hawks
and cats. Feeder-fed birds may not migrate, even locally, and thus damage the gene pool.
And feed is expensive!
But there are other ways to attract birds that are inexpensive and beneficial. In fact, the
natural way may improve your property values as much as 20%--well above the cost of
implementing it. The way is to add bird-friendly plants to your property.
While trees are a particularly great addition. there is much more you can do. Planning is
the key to success: First, find out what birds frequent your area and in what seasons. This
will determine your choice of plants. These should fit into your natural topography. Many
of these plants require little care (and thus keep you out of the birds’ territory and save
your back). Both bird and landscaping pros say that indigenous (native) plants are best.
They do not harm the environment in the ways exotic plants do, and birds and other
wildlife are best adapted to them. Native plants are also most resistant to local weather
and insects.
The goal is to have a variety of flowering trees and/or shrubs. The more diversity you
have, the greater variety of birds you will attract. These might include woody trees,
shrubs, and perennial and annual flowers. They can provide continual food sources, and
shelter. If you are friendly with your neighbors, you can cluster plants at the back of your
property line, and encourage your neighbor to plant similarly on the other side to create a
wider bird zone.
Of course, if you are attracting birds, don’t forget water. A small bird bath or artificial
pond will do. But make sure it is filled regularly.
Finally, if you want a totally bird-friendly environment, consider bird houses as well.
Your local agricultural extension service, or a number of local nurseries specializing in
native plants can help you plan your bird (and butterfly)-friendly environment. It’s a great
win/win for you and your environment. Internet sites can provide you with additional
suggestions. Try www.audubon.com.