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Birdscaping...
Providing Habitat for Wild Birds
One of the best ways to attract wild
birds is thru careful selection of landscape plants. To the birder this is
know as birdscaping. Trees and shrubs
provide shelter, food... and a sense of security to our feathered friends.
Chances are that your property is already
landscaped, but by adding a few additional trees, shrubs and flowers...
your new birdscaping will become even more attractive to wild birds.
Before you birdscape, draw a plan...
Before you landscape or make additions to your existing landscape
you'll want to draw up a landscape plan. Chart out were existing plants
are, as well as buildings, and fences. Make note of areas that are sunny
or shady. Include on the plan the location of your feeding stations and
birdbaths.
Research plant material before you
buy...
Before you purchase new trees, shrubs, or flowers, research what grows
well in your climate zone. The local garden center is an invaluable source
of free information.
Plant groups to consider...
There are 6 plant groups that should be included in the birdscaping
plan.
- Conifer trees
- Nut bearing deciduous trees
- Summer, fall and winter fruiting trees
and shrubs
- Nectar producing flowers
- Seed producing flowers
- Grasses
Let's take a quick look at what each
group provides to the birdscape.
Conifers
Conifers are evergreen trees such as pines, firs, spruces, and juniper
bushes. These trees maintain foliage year round providing shelter and
nesting areas. In addition each of these trees produce food in the form of
seeds from cones or berries.
Nut bearing trees
With a few exceptions, nearly all nut bearing trees are deciduous...
meaning that they shed their leaves in fall. When leafed out, nut bearing
trees provide shelter and nesting areas. In the fall nut bearing trees
such as Acorns are a food source for Jays, Flickers, Nuthatches and
Titmice.
Fruiting trees and shrubs
There are many small trees and shrubs that produce fruit. Ideally
you'd want to plant several fruiting trees that produces fruit at
different times of the year. Some choices could include: Crabapple, Pear
or Cherry trees. Cherry trees are a favorite of Robins and Blue birds.
Nectar producing flowers
There are plenty of annual or perennial plant selections in this
category. Bee balm, Columbine, Daylilies, Fuchsias, Impatiens, Morning
Glories, Salvia, and Trumpet Vines are a few that come to mind. Each of
these flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Seed producing flowers
The choices are nearly endless in seed producing flowers. These fast
growing plants serve a dual purpose. They add color to our gardens, and
when mature... provide seed for wild birds.
Some annual selections might include:
Asters, Cosmos, Gazania, Greber, Impatiens, Marigolds, Morning
Glory, Nasturtium, Rudbeckia, Verbena, and Zinnias.
Some perennial selections might include:
Bachelor's Buttons, Black Eyed Susan, California Poppies, Echinacea,
Gaillardia, and Sunflowers to name a few.
Grasses
Grasses provide shelter, nesting materials, and seed for wild birds.
Some popular grasses are: Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, Northern Sea
Oats, Festuca, and many members of the Miscanthus, Panicum, Pennisetum
families.
For more information on garden plants
visit our partner site Denver Plants.
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