Home Gardening

Gardening for the birds
Garden Tips Newsletter - July 2, 2001

Many of us like to garden for ourselves (and maybe our neighbors) -- have you ever thought of gardening for the birds? Gardening to attract birds is very simple -- just follow a few simple steps:

Provide food -- this doesn't mean just bird seed -- plant trees/shrubs/flowers that attract birds (plants with fruit, berries, grains, seeds, nuts, & nectar).

Provide shelter -- birds need shelter from weather, predators (try to keep the cat indoors during feeding time), and many of them just like to perch in shrubs. Shelter can be provided by having a wide variety of plants -- trees, shrubs, vines, tall grass, plants with thorns also help protect birds from predators.

Provide water -- birds need water for drinking and bathing. Put a birdbath in your yard -- try to place it close to shrubs or shelter areas. Also, make sure to keep the water clean -- try to replace water daily or every other day. Birds prefer running water so if possible put in a small fountain.

Provide plant diversity -- a wide range of plants will attract more species of birds and will provide a range of food and shelter for birds.

For more information check out these Web sites:

Attracting and Feeding Songbirds
Landscaping to Attract Birds

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.