For The Birds: Gardening For The Birds
Shelter and Natural Food Sources
Photos by Bob Schamerhorn
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The key ingredients to attracting birds and other wildlife to your yard are food, water and cover. Providing seed and suet using the various feeders available certainly supplement any natural food sources you may incorporate in your landscape. However, using plants that are attractive and beneficial for wildlife is most important factor in establishing a healthy year-round bird population.
There are many sources that provide lists of what plants to plant. These sources include Audubon, Alliance for the Chesapeake, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Tech Extension Services, etc. You will want to include plants that provide nectar for hummingbird and butterflies; flowers and grasses for seeds; nut trees, fruit and berry plants, evergreen trees, and shrubs for food and cover sources.
You should plant native plants as much as possible, especially avoiding invasive species. Incorporate water features in your garden. Small ponds and/or water baths are essential elements for your backyard wildlife habitat. Birds like shallow areas to drink from and bath in; and it is important to keep the water relatively clean and fresh. Waterfall and/or dripping water are especially attractive to our wildlife friends.
- Article by Master Gardener John Coe
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