Native Birds of Aldridge Botancial Gardens

The design of Aldridge Botanical Gardens provides the three essential ingredients for a bird's survival: food, water and reproductive area. In this refuge birds can securely move back and forth from berry producing trees, shrubs, water and spacious lawns. The woodlands in the Urban Forest, south of the pond, and the hedgerows along the eastern side of the Gardens support many species.  The aquatic area in the Shade Garden is a blend of several different habitats that are particularly attractive to birds.

Each year some spring and fall migrants briefly stop at Aldridge Gardens for food and rest and then continue their journey to other climates.  Knowing what birds should or should not be around during a particular season can aid in discovering a "new" bird so please see our seasonal bird guide.

The Blue Bird Project

In the spring of 2006, eight Eastern Bluebird nest boxes were installed in the Gardens in an attempt to compensate for the loss of nesting habitat.  By the end of the nesting season there had been 100% occupancy with bluebirds, chick-a-dees, brown-headed nuthatches, and ever present cow birds often competing for the same nesting box. This housing shortage emphasizes the importance of providing nest boxes in areas that have experienced the loss of hollow trees from storms and development.  Bluebird numbers now look promising for the return of one of our favorite songbirds to the Gardens.

Small Mammals

Most small mammals are difficult to see during a day-time stroll through the Gardens.  By and large they are active at night, secretive, and shy.   Some even have burows in the soil and they hardly make an appearance above ground.  Their presence is sometimes noted by their skeletal remains for many animals eat these bones for a source of salt and other minerals.  Sometimes bone fragments can be found in the droppings of owls and larger mammals.  With the exception of bats, mammals in this region do not migrate.  Local movements of some mammals may occur when there is a shortage of food.

Look for mammal signs around large logs and stumps in the urban forest.  Also examine the sandy soil and wet places in the road from the wild flower garden to the pavilion.