Bird feeders are a lot of fun, but how about planning the perfect trees, shrubs and vines around your home to make lots of birds move in for good? No matter where you live there are native plants that birds already use, but they may not be found close to your home. Making them part of your garden plan is easy and cheap since you can identify them while going on nature walks and then transplant your favorites into your back yard.
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Since these plants already grow naturally in your area you will have better than average success in bringing them into your yard. It's important to make a plan before you start planting so you won't end up with a huge tree over hanging your home, or vines growing where they can choke out other pet plants.
Here are some easy plants to find, transplant and tend that are native here in the Ozarks, and will bring in the birds to set up housekeeping right in your backyard:
Black cherry is a native tree that birds love for the berries. The tree grows huge and gets big pretty fast, so leave plenty of room for them, like around buildings. Birds eat the cherries and then “plant” them where ever they go, so you may have small black cherries growing where birds perch.
Black hawthorn, called “black haw” here in the Ozarks, is a small understory bush that the birds love. They grow naturally here but are not plentiful. There is also a “red haw” that is a bit thorny. If you can't find them growing in your woods you may be able to order one from a conservation department.
Red cedar is native in the Ozarks and East and provides both excellent food and cover for birds. These trees are easy to find and dig, but check local laws – sometimes it's not legal to dig on a road side.
Plants that produce fruits or berries from May through August include various species of cherry, chokecherry, honeysuckle, raspberry, serviceberry, blackberry, blueberry, grape, mulberry, plum, and elderberry.
Sumac makes a beautiful yard plant and the fruit in the grain heads is loved by birds. These berries stand all winter and take birds through until spring.
Honeysuckle vines have to be controlled, but smell just beautiful in early summer. They provide great cover and nesting materials for your birds.
Blackeye Susan is a great native flower for your garden and back yard. Birds love the mature seeds and you'll love the flowers.
Finding and using native plants to make your backyard more bird friendly is a fantastic hobby. If you're like me you'll start carrying a shovel and plastic tub in your car, because you never know when you might run across that prize winning plant to dig for your yard.
Native plants that attract birds to your yard are better than anything you might order from a seed catalog. Take into account not only food, but plants for cover, nesting materials, winter shelter and bugs. You may become addicted to such a fun hobby!
