Backyard Bird Paradise

Continuing from November 19th.

5:30 p.m. – Designing Home Landscapes from a Bird’s Eye Perspective

Dr. Michael Arnold – Professor of Landscape Horticulture and Director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University

Presentation Summary

This presentation will focus on discussions of design elements useful in attracting birds to home landscapes. Emphasis will include plantings and hardscapes that support critical habitat requirements for various types of birds. We will explore plant selections and site considerations to provide necessary water, food resources, shelter and nesting locations and materials throughout the year. Suggestions for designing to enhance viewing of birds will also be discussed.

Biography

Dr. Michael Arnold is a Professor of Landscape Horticulture and Director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University. Dr. Arnold has been involved in teaching, research, and outreach related to landscape plant production, establishment, and utilization for over 40 years. He has authored over a 100 peer-reviewed research papers, hundreds of scientific and industry presentations, four landscape plant materials texts, and numerous popular press articles. Dr. Arnold has taught thousands of undergraduate students and served on a 125 graduate student’s committees, 25 as chair or co-chair. Dr. Arnold was director of the former TAMU Horticulture Garden and since 2020 has served as the Director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University. He has been awarded national, regional, and university awards for teaching, research, and extension/service activities. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science, past president of both the American Society for Horticultural Science and the Southern Region of ASHS, and is a former chair of the Board of Directors of ASHS.

6:30 p.m. – Creating a Feeding Station to Enhance your Birdy Backyard

Liz Tidwell – Small Acreage Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 

Presentation Summary

Join Liz as she shares how to set up a backyard feeding station designed to attract your favorite birds. She’ll cover how to choose the right feeders and foods, and why it’s important to adjust what you offer throughout the year to meet the seasonal needs of different species. Learn practical tips to make your backyard a welcoming habitat for feathered visitors while enhancing your own birding experience.

Biography

Liz Tidwell, a Wildlife Program Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the birding community. Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Liz pursued her academic interests with a B.S. from the University of Wyoming and an M.S. from Sul Ross State University, where she conducted extensive research on Montezuma quail in New Mexico. Her dedication to avian studies is matched by her commitment to empowering small acreage landowners through resource management programs. While her love for birds is undeniable, Liz also has a special affection for javelinas, fondly nicknamed “potatoes,” which never fail to delight her.

Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/azm-swku-oog
Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720