Landscaping for Birds

The landscaping of ones yard has taken on a new name called "birdscaping". Providing natural foods that ripen at various times of the year is a benefit for resident and migratory birds. And creating shelter provides nest sites, cover from winter storms, and a place to escape predators. Fall is an excellent time for planting many habitat plants that will provide for the birds. Many shrubs such as viburnums, chokeberries, and junipers reach maturity in only a few years so the sooner you get these plants in the ground the sooner you'll be enjoying a larger variety of birds in your yard. Here are a few sites that can help you make the choices you need for the birds while creating an outdoor livable space for yourself and your family -

• Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard 
• Audubon Native Plant Database
• Natural Resource Conservation Service
• National Wildlife Federation