Attracting Birds To The Garden Area

Feb. 7, 2000
Earlier in the season a number of gardeners expressed a concern over the lack of birds. Conversations with friends who study the actions and movement of birds in the area suggested that the late arrival of snow may have been a factor in the similar late arrival of many common species. With adequate natural supplies of food and seeds the birds didn't find it necessary to rely on our feeders until natural supplies have been exhausted or covered.

I don't study the natural history of bird populations to any extent and I must admit that most of my observations come from our backyard feeder and brief trips into the surrounding woods in the fall. I have observed over the past years that as the trees and shrubs in my garden landscape became larger, so has the variety and number of birds in the garden.

The two most frequently visited plants are a group of Meyer Lilac and several Spreading Cotoneasters. Neither of these plants retain any fruit at this time of year. I suspect that the dense and twiggy nature of these plants attracts the birds during their feeding hours since both plants are near our feeder.

It is true that the fruit on certain plants does serve as a food source for birds. The fruit is however a short-term item and either drops from the plant or is consumed in a brief period of time. I have found that a plant's greatest value to a bird population comes from the protection it provides over the winter months. Before birds will take advantage of feeders you set out they need to feel secure in the area. This security is available in the cover provided under the twigs and branches to trees and shrubs. If you find that your feeder is not being visited as frequently as you would like, consider planting a variety of shrubs on the property. Plants set close to the feeder area will also help reduce the time needed for the birds to move from their cover to a food source. Those plants with a dense growth habit will probably offer the best cover to the birds.

The lilac and cotoneaster mentioned earlier along with plants like privet, firethorn, barberry, honeysuckle, mockorange or viburnum are generally full enough to supply numerous perches for the birds. Earlier in the garden season most of these plants also have an interesting fruit crop that will attract specific bird species.

It is not necessary to redesign your total landscape just to attract birds to the area. Many times the addition of several plants will be effective as a first move. A simple plant grouping along the side of the house, off the corner of the patio or along the property border will work. Consider using an area where you might like to have additional privacy between you and other properties. A plant group here would benefit both you and your bird population.

Before the actual planting season arrives why not begin thinking about possible sites in the landscape where you can plant additional bird cover. If you do use fruiting species you and your birds will benefit.