FREE In-store Pick Up. Delivery Rates vary (determined at checkout).

GA Webinars | Garden Birds & Critters 

GA Webinars | Garden Birds & Critters 

Garden Birds & Critters 

Have you ever felt that sense of satisfaction when a robin, or other friendly yard bird, comes in to enjoy a quick bath, a snack, or raise a family in a fruit tree? It’s a nice feeling, right? It’s like the biggest high five that you’re doing all the right things. Bird song is relaxing and birds are just fun to observe for all members of the family. Birds can also target problem insects! However, I realize we can also attract some…. not so friendly birds and critters as well. Nature is a balance. Let’s talk about some of the benefits birds can bring to your garden, and what challenges you may encounter too.

What kinds of birds do you see around the neighbourhood? In Calgary, you can expect to see chickadees, robins, northern flickers, Nuthatches, Grey Jays, Downy Woodpeckers, Magpies, and so much more. It’s actually amazing the diversity we have in our bird system. Some folks have even be lucky to attract hummingbirds, but that’s uncommon. During today’s webinar, we were surprised to find some similarities and differences with bird diversity across North America! One viewer even mentioned seeing doves where they’re from in California. Perhaps this diversity is what makes bird watching such an interesting hobby.

 

Attracting Birds

So how do you attract birds to your own backyard? Make sure they have access to the following essentials, and make sure they’re obvious to find:

Food

Narrow down what you’re trying to attract. Bird seed, nectar, and suet are as diverse as the species in our region, so target a seed that will do the job. Bird seed bags will usually have a photograph and label showing what birds the mix will attract. Today, Colin featured Mother Nature’s Bird Seed which a Canadian Brand out of Taber, AB. The ‘No Mess Gardeners Mix’ is a great product because there are no shells and the seeds will not sprout in your garden! It’s a good option, and this brand makes a bunch of varieties for finches, jays, etc.

  • Bird Seed | Sometimes this type gets it’s own wall at the garden centre. This is the typical food source for most backyard birds.
    • Mother Nature’s ‘No Mess Gardeners Mix”LINK
    • See All Mother Nature’s Bird Seed | LINK 
    • Bird Seed Feeders | LINK
  • Suet | This is a great option heading into autumn and winter for those birds that stick around and do not migrate. It’s basically a blend of fat and seed/nuts. This will give them energy when normal food sources are scarce. Look for the pictures on the package to determine which one to get. They also vary by shape depending on which feeder you have | LINK
    • Suet Feeders | LINK
  • Nectar | For hummingbirds and butterflies. Fortified with vitamins and calcium. All natural sugars. Nectar should be changed every 3 to 5 days. On hot summer days exceeding 85F/29C change nectar daily | LINK
    • Hummingbird Feeders | LINK

a yellow bag with bird seed inside. square package with a nuthatch and woodpecker on a tree. The package says 'Nutty Butter Suet'A long cylindrical hummingbird feed

Water

Our backyard bird friends are looking for water for hydration AND grooming purposes! Here are a couple of ways you can increase the availability of water:

  • Birdbaths | You can get baths made of plastic, concrete, glass… some go on your deck rail! You can even grab a bird bath heater for year round support. Tip: use rocks to elevate portions of your bird bath water level so it can be enjoyed by everyone!
  • Fountains | birds love running water, and some can even double as a bird bath!
  • Sprinklers | Brings all the birds to the yard, especially robins! For birds that feast on worms, sprinklers will encourage worms to rise to the surface.
  • Tupperware containers | Fill a reusable container with a shallow amount of water so little birds can access it.
  • Puddles | Ever seen birds bathing in the puddles after a rainstorm? You can also create puddles while you’re already out watering!

a 5 tier fountain with water falling down it like stepping stones.

Shelter

Our bird friends want to feel safe while exploring your garden. A shelter can can protect birds against weather, predators, and can even help them start a family. Here are some options for shelter:

  • Trees can shelter birds of really any size. Birds may chow down on bugs, hide within the leaves, and some may even make shelter within the tree itself.
  • Shrubs can shelter our smaller birds like chickadees and finches. Have you ever walked past a shrub and heard the social ‘tweets’ of birds? They love the privacy and cluster of branches that predators can’t access.
  • Houses can be a custom option because you can usually pick up a variety of sizes from your local garden centre or you can diy and make one! The bigger the bird, the bigger the house.

 

Garden Critters

 

Squirrels

I’m pretty sure this is a challenge in many regions across North America. Squirrels are tenacious, can be destructive, often wasteful, and they loooove the buddy system. Here are some things you can do to control squirrel activity in your garden:

  • Provide food alternatives | Give them their own spot for food so they feel less inclined to bother the birds.
    • Armstrong Peanut Feed | LINK
  • Hang Feeders in “safe” zones | Don’t give squirrels an easy access point like a tree or a ledge. They’re crafty!
  • Consider Metal | Here’s a feeder than can act as a gatekeeper  LINK
  • Stick to small seed | Squirrels won’t concern themselves with Nyjer seed. So maybe stick to attracting the little birds – LINK

Wasps

Did anyone else get goosebumps? This is a true garden pest and can be especially challenges if you’re trying to attract hummingbirds with nectar. Wasps can injury, and sometimes kill, our birds. Here are somethings you can do:

  • Keep areas clean if they’re not being used. Don’t give them places to hide and make nests.
  • Waspinators & Traps can deter them by thinking that there’s already a resident in the garden
    • Waspinator | LINK
    • Wasp Trap | LINK
  • Spray as needed, but be careful not to target a feeder in the process.
    • Wasp Spray (FOAM) |  Provides a fast knockdown of wasps and hornets with a foam barrier in cracks and crevices – LINK
    • Wasp Spray (SPRAY) | Strong jet spray can reach nests more than 17 feet above ground – LINK
  • Attract Corvidae so they can take care of the problem!

Corvidae

Ants

We could probably do without ants in our garden, right? The birds don’t even particularly like them, and they also will target the sugary goodness of our hummingbird feeders. Here’s something you can attach to your feeder:

  • Metal Ant Moat | Fill with water or cooking oil. Hang feeder from ant moat. Ant crawls down hook and cannot cross liquid – LINK

Mold

A healthy garden can protect the wildlife that call it home. Like with humans, mold can harm our backyard bird friends. Make sure to regularly inspect your food source (seed, suet, nectar), and consider rotating your seed stock. Bird feed should be stored in a cool, dry location.

 

Best of luck on your birding adventures.

Tag us on social media, or email us your photos so we can feature them for all the see ([email protected])

 

Resources

More Detailed PowerPoint Presentation | GA Webinars – Birding 2023

Encore Video Presentation | Coming soon

 

Next WebinarAnnuals – Maintenance for Lasting Colour | Jun 17, 2023

Sign up for future webinars | Click here

Translate »

Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.