Landscape for the Birds

A little planning and your backyard will be bringing in birds for years to come.

Food

Every bird species has its own unique food requirements, and these may change as the bird matures and as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, or flowers that will provide the fruits, berries, grains, seeds, acorns, nuts, or nectar.

Water

You can probably double the number of bird species in your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing, or moving.

I'll tell you what. To me, a pond is a must. The sound of the water, the water plants, the birds taking baths and showers under the waterfall, the squirrels and chipmunks getting drinks; I say put in a pond and do your gardening around it.

Butterflies are also attracted to water and the sound of water. It is too cool to have a bunch of butterflies in your backyard.

Shelter

Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including hollow ones), shrubs, tall grass, and bird houses provide excellent shelter. I throw twigs and branches I've trimmed into piles in our yard and we find rabbits and chipmunks and other wildlife love these piles.
A word of caution. If you do this and decide to burn them at a later time, seperate the pile first so no baby animals perish.

Diversity

The best landscaping plan is one that includes a wide variety of plants. This helps attract a greater number of bird species. We've noted that plants for butterflies have attracted himmingbirds, and vice-versa. Remember, birds don't read books and may like some plants that the books don't say they like.
Experiment.
You're trying to make the yard attractive to you as well as to the birds. Have some fun!

Four Seasons

It is necessary to provide birds with food and shelter during all four seasons of the year. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that will provide year-round food and shelter.
It's even more important to keep the feeders full and water available in the winter months when the plant life has died. Feed these birds and wildlife during the winter months and they will reward you by hanging around in the nice months.

Arrangement

Habitat components need to be properly arranged. Consider the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your yard will be protected from harsh winter weather.
Let me make a note here. We didn't follow these guidelines. We planted where we wanted to, checking only to see if our plants needed shade, sun or a combination. If the plants died, we bought new ones. No rocket science here.

Protection

Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators.
You also should be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. They should be applied only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions.

Hardiness Zones

When considering plants not native to your area, consult a plant hardiness zone map (they are in most garden catalogues). Make sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your area. Most plants have this info listed when you purchase, as well as telling you how much sun or shade is best.
Landscaping for the birds will be as rewarding as anything you have ever done.