Gardens and birds go together. Even without a birdfeeder, birds arrive in gardens. In winter watching birds in the garden gives a new dimension to your landscape.
Birdwatchers are a special sort of people, but casual enjoyment of birds is a natural by-product of gardening, and particularly fun in the winter months. Shrubs give shelter to the birds and grasses give seeds, so even without a formal bird feeder you will likely find yourself watching birds in the garden.
I am not sure that I watched birds at first, but the fascination suddenly crept up on me. I remember planting a new shrub in an area of the garden where there were just perennial flowers. Within hours there were birds sitting on the shrub as though it had been there for years!
Needless to say, I now plant with them in mind and do have a bird feeder. This past month or so I have been at war with the squirrels who also like the bird feeder (but that is another story!). I encourage all gardeners to take time to enjoy the garden and in do so, you may find yourself watching birds in the garden as well.
