by Denise Calaman

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

A sure sign of spring for most homeowners is when songbirds once again frequent their backyards. Backyard birds lure us into enjoying time in our backyards with their melodious songs curious playfulness. One way to assure that backyard birds return to your yard is to plant bird attracting plants. Birds look for a few things from plants. Plants have to be sweet, seedy or provide a good nesting habitat or shelter. Finding a nesting habitat or good cover is important for songbirds to protect them against the elements and also from other wildlife or domestic cats that might view them as prey. There are six types of plants or trees that may be grown to attract songbirds to your backyard and assure that they keep returning.

Fruit shrubs- Backyard birds are attracted to the sweetness of fruits and berries and a lot of songbirds depend on this type of food source in the winter for survival. Bluebirds for example, although they like to nest low to the ground, would prefer to nest in a north facing bluebird box that is three to five feet off the ground. If bluebirds find a nesting box that they like, in more temperate winter climates they will choose to live their year round. Since bluebirds don't eat seeds or nuts but prefer insects and berries, they will most likely choose to reside in a backyard that provides berries year round. Snowberries, holly berries and barberry berries are the berries of choice for picky winter residents. In summer songbirds thrive off of berry shrubs such as elderberry, mulberry and gooseberry bushes.

Nut trees- Winter birds thrive in a backyard that has nut trees. Acorn producing oaks, hazelnut trees and hickory trees are a favorite of bluejays and nuthatches. Some types of woodpeckers will also scavenge for nuts in the winter when food is scarce.

Seeded Flowers- Seeded flowers, the kind that grow in summer and early fall are a favorite of seed loving songbirds. Sunflower seeds are a popular ingredient added to bird feed that we place in our birdfeeders in winter attracting bluejays, cardinals and nuthatches. By growing sunflowers in your backyard during the summer you will attract many different types of birds. Mourning Doves, quail, finches and sparrows will grace sunflower gardens perching gracefully on stalks eating the seeds out of sunflower heads. Perhaps the most seed loving bird is the goldfinch. They eat almost any type of flower seed from thistle seeds to sunflower seeds. Cosmoses are a favorite of goldfinches after they wilt

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>