Landscaping for the Birds by Terence Philippe
If you’re planning any spring landscaping or yard projects don’t forget the birds! You can transform your yard into a beautiful and bird friendly environment with a few simple steps.
Most of the songbirds that frequent our feeders also rely upon trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses to provide food, shelter and nest materials and sites. Water is another important element to provide and incorporate into your plans. Water features, whether a simple or decorative bird bath, pond or waterfall also attract and sustain birds.
In landscape planning try to think like a bird! Ask yourself what’s important for birds: natural food and water sources, shrub cover for protection and rest, and trees and shrubs for nest sites and shade. Choosing your trees and shrubs to maximize these qualities will guarantee a colorful reward of birds attracted to your yard!
When possible choose native species of plant suited to our southern Oregon climate. Madrone, Mountain Dogwood, Juniper, Toyon, Oregon Grape (Oregon Grape holly), Manzanita, Ceanothus, are some examples of beautiful, native and drought resistant trees and shrubs that yield a bountiful supply of berries birds love!
Fruit trees are also a wonderful choice for attracting not only birds, but also aiding threatened pollinators. Cherry, apple, pear – choose your favorite and you’ll likely have some Bullock’s orioles coming to visit the hanging fruit. For hummingbirds think of nectar producing flowering plants: honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and fuscia.
Any questions or suggestions come by and ask or share! We stock a selection of books about creating birds gardens, bird baths and other water features, and of course a variety of feeders, bird seed, and nest boxes.
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