 Landscaping for Birds
Once you decide to landscape your
feeder area for birds, start by choosing which birds you'd most like to attract, then
learn what plants they prefer. Remember that a variety of plants attracts the greatest
diversity of bird species.
Next, draw a map of the area around
your feeder, including buildings, sidewalks, fences, trees, shrubs, and other school
ground structures. Identify and map sunny or shady sites, low or wet sites, sandy sites,
and plants you plan to leave in place.
Review the Landscaping
Basics below and learn the seven types of plants for birds.
Develop your planting plan, drawing
each plant into the map you developed earlier. As you begin planting, document each
addition on your map and with photos (send them to us for possible inclusion on the CSS
website!).
Don't forget to keep your new
plants watered and weeded, especially in the first year after planting. Mulch is an
invaluable tool for keeping moisture in and weeds out.
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping for birds involves nine
basic principles:
Food --
every bird species has unique food requirements that may change as the seasons change.
Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract, then plant the appropriate trees,
shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, and nectar those birds prefer.
Water --
you will attract more bird species to your feeder area by providing a source of water. A
bird bath or water garden will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping
or moving.
Shelter
-- Provide places where birds can hide from predators and escape from severe weather.
Trees (including dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and birdhouses provide excellent shelter.
Diversity
-- The best landscaping plan is one that includes a variety of native plants. This helps
attract the most bird species.
Four Seasons
-- Plant to provide year-round benefits. For example, include both deciduous and evergreen
trees and shrubs for cover in all seasons; combine summer and fall fruiting plants with
those that hold their fruit through the winter to provide year-round food sources.
Arrangement
-- Consider such factors as prevailing winds (and snow drifting) when arranging the
different habitat components of your yard.
Protection
-- When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their
accessibility to predators and proximity to picture windows (birds may fly directly at
windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs). Be cautious about the use of
herbicides and pesticides in your yard.
Hardiness Zones
-- Make sure the plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification
for your area. When considering plants not native to your area, consult a plant hardiness
zone map, found in most garden catalogues.
Soils and
Topography -- Consult your local garden center, university or county extension
office to have your soil tested. Plant species are often adapted to certain types of
soils. If you know what type of soil you have, you can identify the types of plants that
will grow best in your yard.
(adapted from US Fish & Wildlife
Booklet For the Birds)
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