Natural Gardening for Birds: Simple Ways to Create a Bird Haven (Rodale Organic Gardening Book) (Paperback)

by Julie Zickefoose (Author), Bird Watcher's Digest Staff (Author) "SOME OF THE LOVELIEST GARDENS to human eyes may not appeal to birds and beasts at all..." (more)
Key Phrases: bird watcher, Pacific Coast, Continental East, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Gardeners interested in attracting a variety of birds and butterflies to their gardens should consult The Bird Friendly Backyard: Natural Gardening for Birds. Julie Zickefoose and the editors of Bird Watcher's Digest detail various ways to offer winged creatures harbor in your backyard. Their good advice and instructive anecdotes on feeding, housing, rescuing and providing water sources for numerous species encourage enjoyment and the provision of safe places for birds and butterflies to visit and, if you're lucky, take up residence. Plantings that attract, feed and shelter, especially areas left relatively wild, will reward the gardener as well as the birds. All regions of the country are covered with helpful charts listing food preferences, sheltering landscapes and more, with a directory of resources and 100 two-color illustrations to complete the package. (Rodale, $16.95 paper 256p ISBN 0-87596-883-X; Jan. 2)

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Gardeners often want to enhance their gardens by attracting wildlife. Using Briggs's book, even those with little space can encourage a wide variety of visitors. Briggs's science background and writing skills make this a worthwhile guide that subtly calls attention to habitat loss while providing meaningful ways gardeners can help. Chapters are organized by habitats: woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and rocklands. Briggs is thorough, giving brief historical and ecological background on each habitat along with suggestions on how to re-create it at home. Unfortunately, since her book was originally published in Britain, her plant lists may be of limited use to American gardeners. Unlike Briggs, natural history writer Zickefoose, whose work often appears in Bird Watcher's Digest, includes plant lists for various U.S. regions, though her emphasis is on habitats for birds. There are the usual recommendations on plants and water features, but also included are detailed chapters on housing, feeding, and creating hospitable habitats with living fences, brush piles, and snags. Zickefoose openly discusses the ugly side of attracting birds (disease problems, window-kills, predators, and pests). Points are punctuated by sidebars in which birders relate their experiences. The final chapter comprises observations by naturalists and authors across the United States. Recommended for all public libraries and essential for those lacking Sally Roth's Attracting Birds to Your Backyard (Rodale, 1998). Harris's less-detailed book is designed for those who wish to attract birds and butterflies but who have little knowledge of gardening or wildlife. Harris offers beginners a nice section on planning gardens and a short, attractive directory of plants. One strength of this book is its large color illustrations depicting wildlife and illustrating the steps taken in creating such projects as trellises, backyard blinds, and homemade bird feeders. An attractive book recommended for libraries needing to update. Bonnie Poquette, Shorewood P.L., WI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (January 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087596883X
• ISBN-13: 978-0875968834
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #855,280 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very complete, September 6, 2003

By	merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I have to admit, I was surprised to see the emphasis on native plants and was so glad I did. In past books by Rodale Press they didn't pay attention to this and it really bothered me. This book is great though- it talks to all sorts of different needs of birds - from nesting areas to food/water. It has lots and lots of fun facts about birds and their lifestyles/needs and info on feeders. And of course its packed with all sorts of great gardening ideas (bushes, hedgerows, "weeds", benefits of leaf piles, etc). Attention is given to different regions of the country as well. Super book for any bird lover!!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pair desired birds with desired gardens, May 7, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Gardeners who want their gardens to appear as a welcome mat for birds will find Natural Gardening For Birds provides basic tips on how to lay out a garden rich with food, water, and shelter for birds. Especially intriguing are the various charts showing the bird-friendly features of specific types of regional plants ranging from hedgerows to wildflowers, and making it easy for even novice gardeners to pair desired birds with desired gardens.