Wild Life Federation gives Birders, Bird Watchers, and Nature Lovers even more reason for conservation and bird watching
Having been a long time organic gardener here in South Texas at the Birds Nest B&B and HomeStay I am thrilled to to have another reason to provide adequate habitat for the Lower Rio Grande Valley specialty birds. The World Birding Center, host to close to a dozen well maintained, top-notch parks and refuges, also offers plentiful opportunities for watching birds and providing the necessary habitat for bird lovers and gardeners.
Aug 2013 WLF NEWSLETTER- For a gardener it can be a helpless feeling to watch hoards of destructive insects attack the plants you’ve worked so hard to grow. But, you can use your wildlife garden to your advantage — by attracting local birds to help control pest populations.
Of course, certain insects are beneficial to a healthy garden. So while birds won’t rid your garden of all insects — and you wouldn’t want them to — these four feathered friends can help with pesky and destructive bugs. Plus, here are some tips on how to attract them!
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 Purple Martin: As aerial feeders that forage over land and water, purple martins eat a variety of winged insects, including mosquitoes. West of the Rockies, purple martins often nest in tree cavities and building crevices — while in the East they typically nest with as many as 30 pairs in hotel-like boxes or hanging, hollow gourds.
 House Wren: Ranging throughout most of the lower 48 states during parts of the year, these birds have diets that consist almost exclusively of insects and spiders. House wrens may nest in nest boxes, building crevices or even mailboxes. Include low-lying shrubs (such as American beautyberry) or brush piles in your yard, as well as sources for cover, nesting materials and food.
 Common Nighthawk: Not hawks but members of the nightjar family, common nighthawks cover most of North America and eat a variety of flying insects. They nest on level surfaces, such as the ground or flat rooftops in suburban and city areas, so they are the perfect visitor for urban gardens.
 Baltimore Oriole: Beautiful and helpful, Baltimore orioles eat insects, fruit and nectar. These songbirds range from the central Midwest to the Northeast and nest in hanging pouches in deciduous trees. Plant blackberry, serviceberry and cherry for food, as well as elm, sycamore, tupelo and other shade trees as nesting spots.
When you go above and beyond for the birds in your neighborhood, they’ll thank you by providing free pest control and even a beautiful song or two.
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Birding Mecca 