AUDUBON: Native plants bring all the birds to the yard

 

The 411 on Native Plants

Birds and native plants are made for each other, thanks to millions of years of evolution. Trees, flowers, shrubs, and grasses can serve as shelter, nesting material, and veritable buffets for birds.   Learning which plants are best suited to your region can help make your yard, balcony, or patio even more bird-friendly. With a little work and planning, you could be rewarded with an iridescent Ruby-throated Hummingbird or a seasonal migrant like this Blackpoll Warbler.  Whether you’re looking to increase your awareness outdoors or attract more birds to your home, let this primer be your guide.

Get Planting

Blackpoll Warbler on willow. Photo: Shirley Donald/Audubon Photography Awards

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BIRDS

LOTS OF GREAT INFORMATION:

Cornell FeederWatch Cam

LINK

"Sad. I did not know that when mold forms on the feeders they eat from, their tongues swell n they can’t eat...so they starve ....and so do the little ones in the nest. :(

One should dump out the existing nectar, take the feeder apart completely, wash all parts with hot water and a biodegradable dish soap like Dawn. Use a bottle brush as needed. Then rinse all thoroughly. Make sure there is no sign of mold or black mildew.

To make nectar, boil 2 cups of water, add 1/2 cup sugar. Stir to completely dissolve the sugar. DO NOT ADD coloring. Cool nectar to room temperature. Nectar can be stored in the fridge for 5 days before using in your feeder."-Kym Phillips Smith.

RECYCLING IDEA: 

Southeastern Avian Research

May 23 at 2:53 PM ·

Pretty cool recycling idea!

‎Nicki Muscatell‎ to Tennessee Birding

May 23 at 11:09 AM

Saw this on another birding website. What to do with a broken rake...

Pollinator Friendly Yards

Sharing is what it's all about.

Native plants bring the insects birds need.

"Native plants are the base of the ecological food web. In addition, [Doug Tallamy's] research indicates that when a landscape dips below 80% native plants, the reproduction rate of birds begins to drop. Thus, we can all make a difference in our yards by increasing the percentage of native plants each year."

Article here:https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/home-garden/2019/12/19/wax-myrtle-and-yellow-rumped-warblers-made-each-other/2685946001/

Find your native plant society here: http://nanps.org/native-plant-societies/