Wind Break Ideas for Bird Feeders

Brush-Pile Windbreak

• Create a windbreak that offers birds a place to rear their young. Old vines, limbs and other garden refuse make birds feel safe. Use thorny plants such as rose bushes to increase the security of the habitat. A bottom layer of dried leaves will help birds hear danger before snakes or cats have a chance to attack them. Build the brush pile sturdily so that it won't topple over in the wind.

  A few birds that will find this habitat attractive for nesting or shelter include cardinals, thrashers, sparrows, wrens, quail, pheasant, red-winged blackbirds and goldfinches. Other animals may use it, too, including chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, mice and insects. Remember, when constructing a habitat for one species, others will surely follow---snakes, insects and rodents go hand in hand with attracting birds to your property.

Natural Food-Source Windbreak

• Try planting fruiting trees and shrubs around your bird-feeding area, which will provide a quality windbreak that offers shelter along with food. Place plants far enough away from the feeding area that predators cannot ambush unsuspecting birds. However, if plants are too far from feeding stations, they will not effectively block strong winds.

  A few plants suitable as a food-source windbreak include elderberry, American privet, American bittersweet, figs, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, serviceberry, alder, Joe pye weed and chokeberry.

Walled Garden

• Install an outdoor room to keep birds secure. By leaving the top open and building walls of bamboo, stone, brick or evergreen hedges, you will protect your bird feeders from too much wind. If brick and stone are beyond your budget, try using inexpensive bamboo shades attached to a 2 by 4 framework. Bring this idea to life in the form of a simple gazebo or outdoor living room. Take it to a higher level by adding an additional "hidden" room for viewing birds. Use shrubbery, shades or stone to hide your presence from your feathered friends.

  The hidden room gives you the chance to watch birds without your presence altering their natural activities. Use this time to photograph or video your sessions for future viewing.