Create a bird-friendly landscape in your yard

By Scout Nelson

Attracting birds to your backyard goes beyond just setting up bird feeders; it involves creating a habitat that provides them with shelter and sustenance throughout the year. Here’s how you can design a bird-friendly landscape that welcomes a variety of bird species.

Understanding bird needs is crucial in landscape design. Birds seek food and shelter, but preferences vary among the over 300 bird species in the Dakotas. For instance, flickers favor tall trees for nesting, whereas catbirds thrive in shrubby areas. A diverse landscape can cater to the needs of different birds.

Evergreens like spruce, pine, and juniper are vital, providing excellent cover and protection from predators and harsh weather. These trees also act as effective windbreaks around bird feeding stations. Tall native trees such as hackberry and bur oak offer shade and food, making them attractive to birds.

For smaller trees, consider hawthorn, which is cat-proof due to its thorny stems and offers berries from fall to spring. Other beneficial small trees include buffaloberry and Russian olive, known for their protective thorns.

Fruit trees are a dual-purpose addition, providing both food and nesting cover. Varieties such as plum, chokecherry, mountain ash, and crabapple will likely require you to share their bounty with the birds.

Among shrubs, the American cranberrybush viburnum stands out. Its berries, initially bitter, become a vital food source in early spring when food is scarce. This shrub is particularly popular with robins and cedar waxwings. Elderberry is another excellent choice, offering flowers for nectar in spring and berries in fall, popular among goldfinches for nesting.

Additional shrub options include rugosa rose, chokeberry, serviceberry, and dogwood, all providing nutritious berries and thickets that offer protection for smaller birds from predators.

By integrating these elements into your landscaping, you not only enhance the beauty of your yard but also contribute to local wildlife conservation, making your outdoor space a thriving sanctuary for birds.

Photo Credit:pexels-mayukh-karmakar