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If you are looking to attract birds to your yard, one of the most important steps is to determine which plants are native and will grow best in your area. By choosing trees, bushes and shrubs that naturally grow where you live, you will inevitably attract birds and other wildlife that naturally use these plants as food and housing sources.

The following is a list of the most common trees, bushes and shrubs that attract birds. If these plants are native and grow well in your area, you will have great success in attracting birds and other wildlife. This is not an exclusive list however, as there will be many other native plants that you may be able to grow in order to attract birds to your yard. If you are unsure of which plants would work best in your area, you can check with local nurseries, or bird watching groups to find what plants they may recommend.

Honeysuckle is a vining plant, common in many parts of the country. Many homeowners view this plant as a nuisance, however it works great for attracting a variety of birds to your yard. Honeysuckle is excellent for attracting hummingbirds which love its sweet nectar, however it will also attract blue birds that love its fruit, and other birds that will be attracted by the various insects that are also drawn to the plant.

Elderberries are tall shrubs that produce flowers and fruit that attract a wide variety of bird species including Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Cedar Waxwings, among other birds. The elderberry is popular among these bird species as a food source and nesting site.

A Currant shrub is a smaller shrub that produces both flowers and fruit that attract birds. Hummingbirds, American Robins, Thrashers and Thrushes are just some of the species that will be attracted to the Currant shrub. Ground nesting birds are quite fond of the Currant, as they enjoy nesting in the dense brush that it provides.

Hawthorn trees are great for those that have small yards, yet still want to attract birds. These trees do not get very large, and they provide fruit to the birds even during the colder months when food can be scarce. Many bird species including Cardinals and Cedar Waxwings are attracted to Hawthorn trees, not only for the food they provide, but also because the provide an excellent cover from predators making them great nesting sites.

Crabapple trees are a favorite tree of many bird species, however crabapple trees can become quite large and need a great deal of space. Because they are large, tall trees, birds appreciate the high nesting and roosting space they provide. The fruit of the crabapple tree provides a great food source, and is a favorite among many birds.

There are of course, a countless number of bushes, trees and shrubs as well as other plants to choose from to help attract birds to your yard. Any plant that produces a food source will help to attract birds, as well as a plant that offers adequate cover and nesting space. Planting fruit and vegetable plants will not only attract and provide food for the birds, but for you family as well. By doing a small amount of research and using your imagination, you can turn your yard into a space that will attract and provide for wildlife, and look beautiful to you as well.

Learn more about this author, Lisa M LaVergne.
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