Birds are a vital part of any landscape and an integral part of an organic garden. They eat harmful insects, pollinate, spread seeds and are a joy to observe. It is incumbent on us to provide them nourishment and shelter in return.

Birdscaping is a form of sustainable permaculture as we build garden environments with the habitat of birds in mind in order to encourage their presence in our gardens.

Shelter

Shelter can be provided in the form of birdhouses or through planting shrubs and perennials in your landscape. Below is an example of a space which provides several options for birds to take shelter. The trumpet vine in the center, at a young age, did not provide enough shelter, and so we added several birdhouses to encourage birds to nest. Sparrows, chickadees and finches tend to utilize these houses.

Pictured below, in the same space, as the trumpet vine matured, we added an outdoor sink with an arbor type structure around it. This provided a support for the vine, and options for birds to perch. The vine itself provides safety cover for birds from prey and storms, and it protects the birdhouses that are still mounted to the wall. The birds also strip the cedar posts for nesting material.

Nourishment

Nourishment is provided through water, seeds, berries, nuts and fruit. It is essential to provide birds with a fresh source of water. Birdbaths are a wonderful feature and many have heated options for winter. It is important to change the water on a regular basis and clean the birdbath. Bubbling fountains provide fresh moving water that birds enjoy for drinking and playing.

Plants for Birdscaping

In order to encourage birds to visit your yard, consider planting some bird-friendly varieties. Below are a list of shrubs, trees and perennials which provide shelter, food or both. All of these plants are hardy for Zone 4. Try incorporating some of these options and you will be pleased with not only with the beauty of the plants but the joy of watching birds interact in your garden.

SHRUBS & TREES

• Red Twig Dogwood

• Serviceberry

• Elderberry

• Currants

• Japanese Cedar

• Chokeberry

• Winterberry

• Beautyberry

• Juniper

• Hawthorn

• Crabapples

• Hollies

• American Bittersweet

• Arrow Wood Viburnum

• Hydrangea

• Yews

• Boxwood

Boxwoods provide shelter and cover for birds

• PERENNIALS

Prairie Dropseed Grass

Coneflower

Baptisia

Gallardia

Palm Sedge Grass

Turtlehead

Sedum

Aster

Black Eyed Susan

Little Bluestem Grass

Red Hot Poker

Globe Thistle

Monarda

Trumpet Vine

• Clematis

Clematis provides birds with nesting material and a hiding place Birds love to eat the seeds of clematis flowers and use the fluff for nesting