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Landscaping for Birds |  |
 All About Birds
Feeding Birds Getting
Started
Bird ID Online Bird Guide
Fun with Birds Birds by Region
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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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