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“Bird Friendly Habitat”

Are you delighted by the natural show of birds? Flocks
of sparrows descending to the ground for a feast, or a
lone blue jay making his noisy calls against a winter
backdrop – birds offer the observer and listener both
pleasure and entertainment.

If you want to enjoy the company of birds in your yard
you can do so by creating a garden suited to their
needs. Planting a variety of trees, shrubs and natural
grasses can make your yard a desirable destination.
There are four needs that you can provide for that will
encourage birds to your yard: safety, shelter, food and
home.

SAFETY

Birds have many predators. Thick trees, grasses and
shrubs hide them from enemies and protect their young.
Evergreens like pine, fir or hollies provide dense
cover throughout the year while deciduous trees are
welcome protection in the warmer months.

SHELTER

The trees and shrubs that offer protection from
predators can also protect them from the elements. Even
tall ornamental grass can be used as a refuge from
inclement weather. Planting bushes close together will
provide better protection for your birds.

FOOD

Since most birds are not taught to find food from bird
feeders you will attract more varieties of wild birds
if you offer natural food sources. Berries, insects,
nectar and nuts are preferred to seeds by some birds
and will be abundant in supply if you choose these
trees and shrubs to plant in your garden.

Plan your garden to offer food throughout the year, for
example; blueberry and blackberry bushes in the summer,
dogwoods in the fall and hollies in the winter. Oaks,
pines and walnut trees will provide seeds and nuts
during the year.

Shrubs and flowers can be planted to encourage visits
from nectar-seeking birds like the hummingbird.
Crabapple trees and azaleas provide nectar equally well
as flowers. Shrubs and trees with winter berries will
attract non-migrating wild birds throughout the colder
months. By offering a varied selection of natural food
sources you can enjoy the splendor of all your local
birds.

HOME

You may create homes for your birds, or notice them
being built in your eves, but providing trees will
encourage even the most timid birds to your yard for
nesting and rearing their young.

Different birds prefer different nesting sites. Some
will nest high in a tree, some will prefer nesting in
lower bushes, and others will nest on the ground
amongst the tall grasses. The variety of planting you
do will encourage more birds to nest in your yard.

Since some birds will only nest in your area for the
summer, deciduous trees can provide equally well for
their nesting needs as coniferous trees. They can also
be a desirable home if they provide an easy source of
food to feed their young.

A beautiful garden is well complemented by the company
of birds. Provide for their needs and they will surely
provide the gift of beauty, melody and entertainment to
your garden.

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