Since 1970, 2.9 billion birds have been lost, according to Cornell University. This staggering decline is primarily due to pesticides, loss of habitats, development, and shrinking insect populations. It is up to each of us to help support birds by planting native plants in our gardens. These plants will provide a good source for food, shelter, and habitat. Some of the pleasant benefits for us will be hearing birdsongs and watching your feathered friends as they swoop in for snacks.
A combination of trees, shrubs, perennials, biennials and annuals is ideal because bloom times, seed maturation, and growth will vary. Planting in clusters will help give birds the cover they seek for nest protection. A variety of tall, medium and smaller plants in groupings will create layers and thereby invite more bird diversity. I am sharing a few of my favorite plant choices for you to consider but I strongly recommend going to this Audubon website for extensive lists of plants and the specific birds they will attract.
Trees
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Will grow in full sun or partial shade, grows to roughly 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and tolerates dry soil. White flowers are fragrant, and berries feed as many as 33 species of birds as well as making great jam.
Black Willow (Salix nigra)
Grows well in full sun or partial shade, prefers moist soil, has a beautiful habit, grows quickly, and is medium in height – 30-60 feet. It is called a “bird food factory” since it is host to an extensive assortment of yummy bird foods such as caterpillars, beetles, aphids, and leafhoppers – all are a significant source of protein for songbirds and their growing chicks.
Shrubs
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Incredibly easy to grow, this hardy shrub is often seen along the roadsides. It prefers wet sites and grows up to 10 feet tall. For songbirds, the fruit, which appears in late summer, is an important source of calories in preparation for winters or for migration to a warmer climate. Clusters of elderberry plants are favorite places for nesting and cover.
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Highbush blueberry is a gorgeous shrub beloved by birds and humans. It prefers an acidic, rich, well-drained soil and grows well in sun or partial sun. This native shrub is one of the best for birds and pollinators. Plants can be placed in mixed hedgerows or grown as a specimen providing year-round beauty and bountiful fruit.
Perennials
New-England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
A medium sized perennial, growing well in moist to average soil with lovely purple flowers in late summer and autumn. Make sure to leave the old flowers so they can make seeds since they are a favorite food for many birds.
Narrow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
With a long blooming period of abundant yellow flowers in late summer, this gorgeous sunflower grows 3 to 6 feet tall and spreads gently. Leave the old flowers so the plants produce abundant seeds for birds in winter. Since it attracts caterpillars and butterflies, it provides an additional food source for many species of birds.
Migrations and feeding habits of birds depend on an area’s native plants for their fruit, flowers, and insects. Birds follow the food. As a result, this provides opportunities to create bird havens based on the plants we choose to grow!
Cedar waxwings eating elderberries
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