Attracting songbirds

An under-appreciated benefit of landscapes is the role they play in attracting birds. By landscaping with an eye toward habitat, you can expect to enjoy more of them.

Attracting birds means providing for their food, water, and shelter. Feeders are a natural, but ornamental flowering, fruit bearing trees and shrubs can also supply nourishment. In fact, trees and plants that hold fruit throughout the winter are a vital food source for non-migrating birds. The more kinds of food you offer, the wider variety of species you’re likely to see.

Water almost guarantees the presence of birds. The sound of water can significantly increase the number of species that visit. A simple birdbath is almost an invitation to birds if you provide clean, fresh water regularly.

Shelter is a requisite for a successful bird haven. Areas simulating natural habitats are essential and can be as simple as some planted shrubs or a hedge. Birds are drawn to sites that give them a variety of perching places, nesting sites, and food.

Here are some particularly bird-friendly landscape plants:

DOGWOOD (Cornus species): Deciduous, flowering ornamental, producing red fall fruit.

CRABAPPLE (Malus species): Deciduous tree, many bird species eat flowers, fruit and seeds.

SERVICEBERRY (Amelanchier species): Shrub, white to pinkish spring flowers, providing summer fruit.

SPRUCE (Picea species): Evergreen tree, providing cover, nesting sites and seeds for fall and winter.

VIBURNUM (Viburnum species): Deciduous shrub providing red, yellow, blue, or black berries.

VIRGINIA CREEPER (Parthenocissus species): A climbing vine with brilliant fall color and berries.

WILDFLOWERS: Various genus and species of annual and perennials will attract birds, bees, and butterflies.