One of the best things about landscaping for birds is seeing the nests full of eggs, then watching as the baby birds fledge.
This spring and summer I’ve seen several broods of robins, cardinals and I even stumbled, literally, upon a baby brown thrasher. I was pulling out some weeds and uncovered it. I quickly put the weeds back on top of the bird because it didn’t even look like it had all its feathers. I was able to identify the nestling by the momma bird who was scolding me nearby.
Birds need food, water, shelter and cover. By providing those needs in the way of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, in addition to a water source, the bird activity will increase in your yard. Also, since different species have different habitat requirements, offering a wide diversity of plant material will attract the most birds.
Trees and shrubs providing food as well as cover include seed- or fruit-bearing plants. Shrubs such as holly, beautyberry, blueberry, blackberry, flowering quince and Carolina buckthorn provide fruit. Trees such as pine, cherry, hackberry, buckeye, river birch, dogwood and pecan provide nuts or fruits.
In addition, a smorgasbord of plants will attract insects for the birds to consume. Plant natives when possible to attract the native songbirds. See more information about attracting songbirds in the Oklahoma State University factsheet “Songbirds.”
Hummingbirds require nectar from flowers, as well as protein, which they get from insects. Favorite flowering plants for hummers include salvia, trumpet honeysuckle, zinnia, penta, petunia, foxglove, cypress vine and trumpet creeper.
Perennials and annuals also can provide food in the way of seed. Goldfinches love the seeds in purple coneflowers. Other plants that provide seeds include sunflowers, zinnia, verbena, hollyhock, dill, cosmos, sedum and blackeyed Susan.
Cover can be provided in a variety of ways. Thorny shrubs such as shrub roses or blackberries can provide cover. For wintertime, evergreens such as pine trees, hollies, southern magnolias and junipers make excellent hiding spots. Cardinals, wrens and towhees like to shelter under a brush pile. Just stack broken branches and prunings into an open pile for them.
A bird bath, a stream nearby or a decorative pond can offer a water source for birds. According to the OSU factsheet, ”Landscaping and Gardening for Birds,” allow a 10-foot diameter of clear space around the bird bath to prevent predators from “sneaking up” on birds. Keep the depth of the water to about 2 inches.
If desired, bird feeders and nest boxes also can increase the number of bird inhabitants in a yard.
For more information about ornamentals, contact the OSU Extension office in Dewey at 918-534-2216.