Guest Author - Lisa Shea

Putting up feeders and keeping bird baths full of water are both great steps in attracting birds to your back yard. However, there is something else that birds enjoy greatly - natural landscaping that gives them both meals and shelter. If possible, you might want to give some thought as to what is planted, to help encourage birds to visit you.

What do birds enjoy? Many birds eat seeds of course, but in addition quite a few love berries, flower buds, and flowers. Plants that hold nests well, and keep out predators, are also great for birds. Here are some tasty and cozy plants you can grow.

Black Cherry
Anyone with a cherry tree knows the birds love them! If you don´t mind having assistance with your fruit harvest, this is an excellent choice.

Blueberry
I can vouch for this one - the blueberries on my bushes are a favorite of many birds in our area.

Dogwood
This tree is simply lovely to have in the first place. It also has fruit and flowers that birds simply adore.

Elderberry
Made famous by Monty Python, this tree is a great addition to any bird-seeking back yard.

Mulberry
More than 40 species love the mulberry bush. Do they go around it, though? You can even get these in sizes of up to 60´ tall if you wish!

Red Cedar
This tree is great because it offers birds food in the winter. It is also a wonderful nesting site for many birds.

Staghorn Sumac
Another winter food provider, the Sumac also provides lovely fall foliage.

Wild Grapes
Not only can you make wine from what´s left over, but the grape vines are loved by birds to hide their nests in. They will assist you with whatever grapes you allow them to eat.