What's Happening?
As fall approaches, gardeners are being encouraged to plant berry-producing shrubs to support migrating and overwintering birds. Experts recommend shrubs like Winterberry, Dogwood trees, Viburnum species, and American Beautyberry, which provide essential nutrition to birds during migration season. These plants offer high-fat, energy-rich foods through their berries, attracting various bird species such as cardinals, robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds. Additionally, native wildflowers like Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans are effective bird feeders, producing seeds that birds consume well into winter. Ornamental grasses and perennials provide shelter and nesting material, while late-blooming flowers offer nectar for migrating hummingbirds.
Why It's Important?
Planting berry-producing shrubs and native wildflowers is crucial for supporting bird populations during migration and winter. These plants provide essential nutrition and shelter, helping birds survive the cold season. By creating a bird-friendly garden, gardeners contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Native plants are particularly valuable as they are best suited to local conditions and offer multiple ecosystem functions beyond feeding birds. This approach reduces the spread of disease associated with traditional bird feeders and supports pollinators, enhancing the overall health of the environment.
What's Next?
Gardeners are encouraged to plant these shrubs and wildflowers now to establish roots for next year’s berries. Native wildflower seeds can be sown in fall or early spring. Experts advise using regionally native plants to maximize their value to birds and the local ecosystem. As awareness grows, more gardeners may adopt these practices, creating vibrant, wildlife-friendly landscapes that support bird populations and contribute to environmental sustainability.
