To offer an inviting habitat in your yard for our native feathered friends, four things should be considered: cover, food, water, and nesting or roosting places.

Cover is as simple as a dense hedge. Bushes offer immediate protection from predators and minimize snow cover on the ground when fallen seeds may provide food. An assortment of native and introduced shrubs benefit birds not only with protection, but with winter berries as well. Keep in mind that birds of the region are natives here and they can easily recognize native plants such as choke cherries, currants and junipers. Some introduced plants that birds enjoy are crabapples, cotoneaster, and pyracantha.

Feeding poses some challenges. Usually, we end up with other assorted creatures along with the birds we are trying to attract! The determined bird lover can purchase special feeders and feed that may discourage the larger birds and squirrels. Some feed can be messy. Sunflower seed hulls can pile up under the feeder and may damage the vegetation below. The solution—buy shelled sunflower seeds. If you hang feeders close to windows, place them near the glass to reduce the impact of sudden flight should something startle them.

Water is very important during both summer and winter, especially if there’s been minimal moisture from Mother Nature. Birdbaths are easy to install. If you have a large birdbath, put a sloping rock in the middle so the smaller birds can reach the water too. Hanging baths are good for smaller birds as they make them feel safer. In the winter keep the water thawed by refilling regularly or use a water heater to keep it from freezing.

Roosting and nesting sites vary for each type of bird. By planting a variety of trees and shrubs in your landscape, you encourage a diverse population. If you want to attract your favorite species, you can put up a roosting or nesting box constructed specifically for that kind of bird.

Proper planting of trees and shrubs, providing food and water, and offering shelter to regional and migrating birds creates a wildlife habitat in your own backyard that you will enjoy all year long.  Phelan Gardens now offers a number of bird related items.  Call or stop by to check see our inventory.

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us - or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members. Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!

For additional information, check the following links:

• Birding and Birdwatching - 10 Tips to Attract Birds this Autumn
• Building Birdfeeders and Plans for Attracting Butterflies and Birds with a Garden Habitat
• Attracting Birds Using Trees and Shrubs - article for birdwatchers to attract birds to your backyard
• US State and Canadian Province Birds
• Attracting more wild birds to your Backyard