Carl Buchhester, a noted conservationist, once said that birds are the co-owners of our gardens. Because of this, we need to provide them with food, shelter and water.
Bird watching is fast becoming one of America's favorite past-times. Incorporating a few basic plants and structures into your yard will help in maintaining a favorable bird population.
STRUCTURES:
Feeders are available in many designs. Choose a feeder that will protect the seed from the elements. As a general rule, most songbirds prefer black oil and striped sunflower seed.
Feeder tips:
- Keep feeding area clean to prevent the spread of disease.
- Place feeders above ground level.
- Squirrels may be discouraged by baffles and "squirrel proof" feeders. Another solution might be to give the squirrels their own feeding area in another part of the yard.
- Birds need food most in winter and early spring, however, many people prefer to feed year round.
- Supply seed according to the type of birds you wish to attract:
- Sunflower: (Black oil is the favorite) Cardinals, titmice, chickadees, nut hatches, woodpeckers, finches, grosbeaks, sparrows.
- White Millet: Blackbirds, sparrows, dove, juncos, towees.
- Niger (Thistle): Goldfinches, purple finches, house finches, pine siskens. NOTE: Thistle requires a special feeder.
- Safflower: Cardinals, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches.
- Suet: Woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches. NOTE: Suet requires a special feeder.
- Cracked Corn: Doves, blackbirds, cow birds, sparrows, quail.
- Raw Peanuts: Chickadees, titmice.
Nestboxes should be provided for wrens, bluebirds, woodpeckers, bats and screech owls. Be sure to place boxes at the correct height for the species and at proper distances from one another:
Water is necessary for drinking and bathing. Natural streams, garden ponds and birdbaths meet these requirements. Birds prefer a shallow bath no more than 2"-3" deep with gently sloping sides. Keep water clean to prevent the spread of disease.
PLANTS THAT ATTRACT BIRDS
Trees and shrubs that produce berries and fruit help give the birds a food source in the winter as well as summer Thick evergreens shield them from snow, ice, and rain. Tangled growth such as briers and honeysuckle provide good nesting sites for many species and offers protection from predators. Many annuals and perennials are enjoyed by songbirds as well.
Annuals & Perennials
- Blazing Star
- Columbine
- Cornflower
- Cosmos
- Fuchsia
- Hollyhock
- Lilies
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Petunia
- Sage
- Scarlet
- Snapdragon
- Sunflower
- Sweet William
- Zinnia
Trees and Shrubs
- American Holly - Ilex opaa
- American Beech - Fagus grandifolia
- Blueberry - Vaccinum sp.
- Canadian Hemlock - Tsuga canadensis
- Carolina Cherry Laurel - Prunus caroliniana
- Carolina Hemlock - Tsuga caroliniana
- Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster sp.
- Dogwood - Cornus florida
- Eleagnus - Eleagnus sp.
- Mahonia - Mahonia bealei
- Mulberry - Morus sp.
- Oak - Quercus sp.
- Pine - Pinus sp.
- Possomhaw Holly - Ilex decidua
- Pyracantha - Pyracantha sp.
- Red Maple - Acer rubrum
- Southern Magnolia - Magnolia grandiflora
- Southern Crabapple - Malus angustifolia
- Southern Waxmyrtle - Myrica cerifera
- Sweetbay Magnolia.- Magnolia virginica
- Viburnum - Viburnum sp.
- Yaupon Holly - Ilex vomitoria
Vines
- Climbing Hydrangea - Decumaria barbara
- Coral Honeysuckle - Lonicera sempervirons
- Muscadine - Vitis rotundifolia
- Trumpet Creeper - Campsis radicans