It's For the Birds

Whether I spy a hummingbird dancing through my garden, I admit to feeling pleased with my design skills—for these remarkably tiny creatures are quite particular about where they land. A landscape has to be colorful, fragrant, and tempting with nectar in order to warrant their attention. Birds of all species are the thrill of any garden, providing many benefits beyond the sheer entertainment of watching them move about. Most are natural pest deterrents, consuming hundreds of insects an hour and keeping wasps, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes under control. They collect and scatter seeds, performing an essential service to plants. And although urban development has unfortunately removed much native vegetation and threatened many of our bird populations, we can do lots as home gardeners to encourage their presence and support their habitat.

The type of birds your garden attracts has more to do with the area of the country in which you live than the style of garden you have. For example, you’ll never see a bright red cardinal in Seattle, though if you live in St. Louis or other Midwestern locations, these striking, crimson beauties will be a common sight. Every region has its resident birds that stay throughout the year, including the territorial blue jay, woodpecker, American robin, eastern bluebird, and many others. Migratory birds pass through briefly on their way to warmer climates, and some species are seen only in the winter or take up summer residency. But wherever and however you garden, follow the tips below for planning the ideal bird sanctuary and you’ll be richly rewarded throughout the year, with colorful flocks of every feather.

Focus on native plants. Native species such as dogwoods, serviceberries, and hawthorns are a great start to improving your wildlife habitat. They adapt well to climate extremes; are seldom bothered by insects and disease, which means less chemical control; and require little or no fertilizer to thrive.

Research the birds you want in your garden and install a diverse, multilevel planting design that will make them feel at home. You’ve undoubtedly heard the old saying that “birds of a feather flock together,” but what you probably didn’t know is that every species has specific preferences for how they like to nest and feed, so it’s important to consider the subtle differences and design your plant scheme accordingly. Strive for “layers” of plants, including tall and understory trees; evergreen and spreading shrubs; scrubby hedge rows; and thicket shrubs such as barberry, raspberry, and wild rose, whose thorns act to deter predators. Include some native grasses and brightly colored annuals and perennials. These varying levels will provide safe haven from the elements as well as ample food, moisture, and a vital source of energy in the form of nectar or sap. When plants decompose, they attract insects, and insects attract birds. A multilevel design is good for the birds, but it will also make your landscape a more interesting place.

Consider location, time of bloom, and the importance of water. Food, water, and shelter are the key elements for survival of birds, much as with any living thing. If you place these elements close to the house, you’ll have a better opportunity for bird watching. Plant flowers that bloom in succession to attract species that need nectar in their diets. And don’t forget a clean source of water, especially during winter, when most bodies of fresh water are frozen and birds have to travel many miles to find water for drinking and bathing.

Forget the manicured lawn and leave some leaves for ground feeders. A perfectly tidy lawn deprives species like thrashers, thrushes, and sparrows of food. Instead, plant low-growing, spreading groundcovers such as bearberry, creeping juniper, and cotoneaster that will abundantly produce berries. Birds will love the nourishment, and your yard will be easier to care for. During fall and winter, resist raking all the fallen leaves from under shrubs and you’ll have lots of bird visitors as well as richer soil come spring.

Help birds build their nests. Make piles of nesting supplies, including straw, feathers, animal hair, bits of yarn, and other stringy material in four or five inch lengths. Place them in wire baskets suspended from trees or at the base of shrubs for easy access. Your resident birds will thank you by making your garden their home!

[Source: Home by Design. "It's For the Birds" Home By Design. June-July 2012. Web. 12 June 2012.]