This past year, I graduated from the Solano County Master Gardener Program. It gave me a very broad, eye-opening of all horticulture.The intense learning program was very brain stimulating. There were days when I left class with my mind wheeling with information overload. Well now its time to put all that to practical use! One of the things that I am passionate about are backyards birds. Or birds in general. Watching their little daily schedules is something to behold.  I am lucky enough to live outside the city limits, although I have lived in the city my whole life. Mostly in Vacaville. But enough about me. Lets talk Birds.

Did you know that over five billion birds die each year (National Audubon Society)? Mostly caused by humans. Examples are cars, home or high rise windows, pesticides, high tension wires, loss of habitat, global warming and of course our beloved domestic/feral cats. To name a few.

I ponder all the time about just what can a person do to help these poor creatures in some small way? With our serious drought conditions. How is a person able to plant for birds? Where are they to get the backyard water from? Birds absolutely must have shelter, local food, local nest building materials to survive. Pretty basic stuff for such a hard life for birds. Considering that a hummingbird just hatched is the size of a bee! Hard to survive that small. So most of us put out the hummer feeders. Good job there! Lets consider moving on a bit and perhaps plant a native species? Did you know that 1/3 of all California plant species are found no where else on the planet? Local birds and some migrating species need that specific native plant to survive on.  You can go to Morningsun Herb Farm right here in Vacaville. Good to buy local whenever possible. Usually Big Box Stores have alien/exotic plant species. They haven't caught on yet- at least each time I check to see.

As this drought continues to plague us and water becomes increasingly precious, I am finding more and more ways to save here and there. I now have placed a 5 gallon bucket into my shower. When I turn on the water to get it hot. That cold water is saved. It is amazing to see how fast it fills up! I then take that water and dump it into the bird water. Yes, it is more work for me. Then I could use the exercise and the poor birds need that extra little boost.  Next time lets talk on replacing a water consuming plant to a pretty blooming native. One that takes very little water and feeds, draws the pollinators and birds naturally.  You can help.