Gardening for Birds

To create a habitat to attract birds to your yard and garden, you need to provide food, water, shelter, and nesting places. Learn about bird species native to your area, and their specific needs. Take into account the fact that birds are migratory, and species and needs will vary from season to season.

There may already be suitable plants growing on your property. Take advantage of existing plants, and make sure that additional plantings create a natural look and feel for birds. Shelter for birds can mean anything from holes in trees or leafy branches to safe places to perch away from cats and hawks and other predators. Different species need different levels of perches. Birds that feed on insects like high open perches to swoop down from, whereas small songbirds prefer lower, more secluded perches. Even a dead tree in the corner of your property can provide shelter, and insects tunneling in the wood will become food for many birds.

A small yard may not provide enough room for you to grow seed bearing plants, like grain crops for birds. However small plantings of grains such as millet or sunflowers can be ornamental as well as food for birds, and you can incorporate them into your garden plan. Pods and seeds of plants such as roses will also attract birds (rose hips). When you plant shrubs or hedges, keep in mind that blooming shrubs also produce a “fruit” or seed that birds may enjoy. Shop for shrubs with this value in mind.