The allure of observing these winged wonders in our own backyard is indeed captivating, but the question arises “What attracts birds to your garden?” Let’s transform your backyard into a paradise for birds, and consequently, a source of joy and relaxation for you and your family. From the right plants to creative DIY projects, let’s unlock the ways to make your garden a beacon for these airborne visitors.

How to Attract Birds to Your Garden?

The secret to attracting a variety of birds to your garden isn’t as complex as it might seem. It’s about understanding their needs and creating an environment that caters to them. Let’s break it down into five actionable steps:

Step 1: Make a Splash with a Terracotta Birdbath

Birds are drawn to the sound of trickling water. Providing them with a spot to bathe and drink will significantly increase your garden’s attractiveness. Consider a birdbath made from a terracotta pot; not only is it simple and inexpensive, but it also adds character to your garden. Drill a hole at the bottom, fill it with water, and throw in some pebbles or marbles to keep the water from splashing out. Watch as this birdbath turns into a bustling hub of bird activity!

Step 2: Serve Up Some Suet

In colder months, birds are on the lookout for high-energy food, and suet serves this purpose perfectly. Hang a suet feeder in your garden, and you’ll have a flurry of feathered friends frequenting your backyard. You can either buy suet feeders or craft your own using a block of suet with a hole drilled at the bottom for hanging.

Step 3: Plant Native Wildflowers

Native wildflowers act as magnets for birds. The vibrant colors and nectar draw birds while also providing shelter and serving as a food source for many insects that birds eat. These plants blend seamlessly into your garden, promoting a healthier ecosystem and a lively bird populace.

Step 4: Embrace the Dead Leaves and Branches

Before you tidy up those dead leaves and branches, remember: they can serve as excellent nesting materials for birds and offer shelter from predators. Pile them up in a corner or under a bush, and watch as your garden transforms into a natural bird sanctuary.

Step 5: Build a Birdhouse

A birdhouse can be a delightful addition to your garden and a safe haven for birds. Choose a design that complements your garden’s aesthetic, and your feathered guests will appreciate the hospitality.

Birds are a wonderful addition to any garden, bringing it alive with their melodies and vibrant colors. To attract birds, create a welcoming environment by installing a birdbath, serving suet for high-energy meals, planting native wildflowers, leaving dead leaves and branches for nesting, and installing a birdhouse.

Plants for attracting birds

Flowers That Attract Birds

Many birds, especially those that are seed-eating species, are drawn to the seeds of certain flowers. Some examples include sunflowers, Eryngium amethystinum, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, and Lily-of-the-Valley. Wild and species roses, Partridge-Berry, and Wild Strawberries also produce seeds that birds love.

Attracting Hummingbirds

If you’re specifically looking to attract hummingbirds, choose flowers rich in nectar and bright in color. Some ideal options are Aquilegia, Delphinium, Monarda, Phlox, Penstemon, and Physostegia.

Vines That Attract Birds

Vines that produce seeds or berries are particularly appealing to birds. Some favorites include Bearberry, Bittersweet, Cranberry, Dewberry, Grapes, and Honeysuckles. Other vines like Virginia Creeper and Morning Glories can also bring in a diverse bird population.

Evergreens That Attract Birds

Evergreens like Red Cedar, Fir, Hemlock, Pines, Yew, Junipers, Arborvitae, and Hollies provide year-round shelter for birds. Their dense foliage offers a safe haven for nesting and protection from predators.

Shrubs That Encourage Birds

Berried shrubs are a hit with birds. Some notable examples are Bayberry, Benzoin, Black Alder, Blackberry, Chokeberry, Elderberry, Hawthorn, Holly, Mulberry, Shadbush, Snowberry, and Viburnums. These shrubs produce berries that many bird species enjoy.

Deciduous Trees That Attract Birds

For those with enough space, deciduous trees like Alders, White Ash, Linden, Beech, Birches, Box Elder, Elm, Hackberry, Oaks, Hornbeam, Larch, Black Locust, Maples, Mountain-Ash, Wild Cherry, Crab Apples, Oriental Cherries, and Hawthorns are great bird attractors. These trees provide seeds, berries, and shelter for various bird species.

With this variety of plants, you can turn your garden into a bird haven, attracting a wide range of bird species throughout the year. Remember, the more diverse your plant offerings, the greater the variety of birds your garden can attract.

Attracting birds can be difficult due to modern landscaping practices, pesticide use, and non-native plant species in our environment. By creating a bird-friendly habitat with the right elements, such as birdbaths, birdhouses, native plants, and organic practices, you can turn your garden into a haven for birds. Research shows that birds are more likely to visit gardens that meet these criteria, so these strategies are worth the effort.

Answering “What kind of plants attract birds?” and understanding their needs can help you make your garden an appealing destination for various species of birds. By implementing the strategies discussed in this post, you’ll not only enhance the biodiversity in your backyard but also create a relaxing and engaging hobby for yourself and your family.

Creating a bird-friendly garden involves more than just setting out a bird feeder; it’s about creating a holistic environment that caters to birds’ needs for food, water, shelter, and nesting sites. The joy of watching these feathered visitors in your garden, identifying different species, and observing their behaviors can be truly enriching.