Efforts to Enhance Bird-Friendly Gardens

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, it is essential to plant flowers such as the 'Supertunia Royal Velvet' petunia and sage (Salvia spathacea), which provide the bright colors and tubular shapes that these birds prefer. While sugar-water feeders can be used, they are not sufficient on their own and require regular maintenance to ensure the birds' safety. The introduction of companion plants like yerba buena and snowberry can enhance the habitat for hummingbirds. Additionally, conservation efforts in California’s Central Valley have aimed to create temporary wetlands to support migratory birds like the western sandpiper, which face habitat loss due to intensive farming. Gardening initiatives also emphasize the importance of creating bird-friendly environments that can support various wildlife, including bees and birds alike. The community is increasingly focused on planting bee and bird gardens, highlighting the interconnectedness of these species in local ecosystems.