by The Long Island Gardener

Created on: February 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2010

Chirping outside the window, at the break of dawn, is a certain sign of Spring.  Songbirds will flock to your backyard every morning if you welcome them with a breakfast buffet of carefully chosen shrubs and flowers.

All year long, birds feast on seeds and berries. Bird feeders and birdbaths are only the beginning. They depend on other things, too.

That includes a safe place to hide from predators, and to build their nests. Migrating birds like the Eastern Bluebird are struggling to survive. By planting carefully, you give them sanctuary near your home, and raise their odds of survival. Even common Oak and Maple trees will provide a great escape, way above ground, far from feral cats and other dangers.

Hummingbirds are found in every state, but only the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is found in the East. These thimble-sized birds seek out trumpet-shaped flowers, especially ones in bright red. That includes red Morning Glory, Snapdragons, Salvia, Trumpet Honeysuckle and pots of Lantana. Sap from certain trees, including the SWEETGUM, is a welcome source of nectar.

Goldfinches use the down from blooming Thistle to build their nests, although they will substitute Milkweed if needed. In Winter, they hunt for Thistle seeds, still dangling from the stalk in the snow. Goldenrod, Asters, and Dandelions make up the rest of the menu. Sweet Gum, Sumac, and Magnolias are favorite foods of many Finch species.

Bluebirds, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Robins, and Tanagers dine on beetles and caterpillars for protein during warmer months. But in cold weather, when insects are scarce, they need Winterberries. Blackberries, and the high-fat fruit of the Dogwood tree. Pyracantha and Viburnum produce berries in Autumn and Winter. Their a growth habits also offer safe garden haven when needed.

Chickadees and Finches flock to fetch seeds from Sunflowers, Zinnias, Marigolds and Coneflowers.

Dense thickets provide cover for Cardinals, Indigo Buntings and Warblers, which often build at ground level. Experts recommend you plant at least one quarter of your yard with evergreens for Winter protection. Holly, Pine and Japanese Yew are favorites of non-migrating birds. They also produce delectible fruits at varying times of year. Deciduous Hawthorn and Mayhaws yield berries in Spring and draw numerous bird species in search of a healthy meal.

Their chirping is a sign they are eating weed seeds and insects that may be attacking plants in your yard. Experts say natural food sources are far more critical for avian health than a well stocked birdfeeder and birdbath. Food sources should always be supplied by local trees and shrubs.

No silent Spring in your garden. Simply planting the right habitat virtually guarantees there you will hear birds every morning, all year round.

You can find more details here:

The Hummingbird Website (hummingbirdworld.com/h/index.html

"Feeding Birds in your Back Yard" by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=513&q=167674

"Attracting Songbirds" by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (www.ncsu.edu/goingnative/howto/design/wildneed/songb ird.html

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