Gardening for Wildlife: Birds

Attracting Birds To Your Garden

Birds needs four basic elements from outdoor spaces:

Food

It's essential that the plants in your garden provide food during all seasons, especially for migratory birds that need places to refuel during their long journeys. Plants that attract wildlife will also attract insects, which birds love! Try to choose plants that have the some of the following characteristics in order to keep your winged visitors full:

• Flowers with nectar
• Grass seed heads
• Fruits and or berries 

Water

Providing a space, even a small one, for birds to drink and bathe is an easy way of supporting your local bird population. If you decide to purchase a bird bath from your local store, try to find one that can be easily cleaned, has a shallow basin and is made of material that won't freeze and crack in the winter. If you decide to create your own, be sure to mimic a natural puddle as much as possible as birds are more comfortable with shallow, ground level water sources.

Shelter and Nesting Space

Creating shelter for the birds in your garden is an essential component of a successful bird habitat. Creating a garden with varied layers of plants and trees will give birds a selection of places to nest, roost and sleep. Adding spaces for dense underbrush, thickets and creating piles of dead plant material gives birds a place to hide from predators and take shelter during bad weather. 

All botanical names will link directly to more information in the Mt. Cuba Native Plant Finder or at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Native Perennials

Native Trees and Shrubs

Native Plants for Hummingbirds

Native Container Plants for Birds