 Veronica Bowers recently enthralled an audience of about 50 members and supporters of the Watershed Council by explaining how to help our native songbirds flourish. When Veronica and her husband moved to Sebastopol 27 years ago, their 1.5 acre parcel was largely covered with tree stumps and 64 rosebushes. They removed the rose bushes and began a process of turning the parcel into a haven for native plants and, consequently, native songbirds. Some years as many as 35 species of songbirds nest on their property. Veronica founded Native Songbird Care and Conservation, a nonprofit corporation (NSCC), 20 years ago. NSCC is the only wildlife hospital devoted exclusively to songbirds. Approximately 1000 birds are treated by NSCC each year, and about 85% are healed and released back to the wild. Veronica explained the many reasons why native vegetation provides the best environment for native songbirds. Native plants are largely drought-tolerant. The fruits of native plants, and the insects that feed on such plants, both allow native birds to succeed. Almost all terrestrial birds, about 96%, feed their young insects. It takes between 6000 to 9000 caterpillars to successfully feed one clutch of young songbirds. As Veronica put it, a world without insects is a world without diversity.  Veronica had numerous tips for property owners who want to make their space more hospitable to songbirds. First of all, plant natives. If you are able to keep a dead tree standing safely, do so. "Leave the leaves,” she said. “Don’t feel compelled to rake them up.” And, very importantly, try to preserve the dark night sky by eliminating unnecessary lighting. A wealth of information is available on the NSCC website . Bob Burke, Board Member Resources: Songbirds, Native Plant Habitats & much more https://nativesongbirdcare.org/ Learn about preserving the dark night sky Dark Sky VIDEO of Veronica's talk will be available at a later time
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