By Peggy Burhenn, UC Master Gardener

Birds bring many benefits to our landscapes. Bird watching is a fun and educational experience for all ages. Observing and identifying new birds, watching their behavior, and listening to bird songs helps us connect with nature. Birds also provide important ecological services. As predators of insect pests, they offer natural pest control for fruit trees, landscape plants, and vegetable crops. Some birds also serve as pollinators.

Over the last 50 years, songbird populations have declined due to multiple, complex environmental factors including habitat loss from urban sprawl, pesticide use and declining insect populations, climate change, domestic cats, and glass windows.

To attract birds to your yard, consider their basic needs: food, shelter, and water.

Food

Native trees, shrubs, and flowers attract local birds and strengthen the ecosystem. Birds feed on the berries, seeds, and nuts produced by native plants, as well as the insects those plants attract. Native plants support native insects, which are a vital part of the food chain.

Plant a variety of native trees and plants that produce berries, nuts, and seeds at different times of the year. Birds shift their diets seasonally. Some species may rely more on berries before breeding, then switch to insects while feeding their young. Because these food sources often come from different plants, plant diversity is key. Minimize pesticide use to maintain a safe food supply.

Nuts: Oaks and walnut trees provide nuts that birds can store.

Seeds: Seed-producing plants include buckwheat, yarrow, Salvia, coyote bush, willow, Ceanothus, native sunflower (Encelia californica), California aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia), and deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens). Avoid pruning spent flowers, as they produce abundant seeds for birds.

Berries: Berry-producing plants include manzanita, toyon (winter berries), Prunus (hollyleaf cherry), coffeeberry, Ribes (currants in autumn), snowberry, and flowering gooseberry. Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana, autumn) is one of the most important food sources for California birds.

Insects: Native plants and insects have co-evolved. Native plants support three to four times more insects than non-native plants. Approximately 96% of land birds feed insects to their chicks. Caterpillars are a critical protein source during the breeding season, and oak trees in particular support large numbers of caterpillars.

Some birds forage on the ground for insects and pupae. Spring leaf litter provides important insect habitat, so delay leaf cleanup until summer when possible.

Shelter

Shelter provides protection from predators and suitable nesting sites.

• Habitat structure: Create layered habitat using both living and non-living plant material.
• Trees and shrubs: Trees provide roosting sites, while shrubs offer nesting locations and protection from predators. Where space allows, a roosting pole may attract raptors.
• Nesting material: Baccharis (coyote bush) is especially useful, providing fluffy material for nests. Plants that produce small twigs also contribute nesting materials.
• Brush piles and dead trees: Brush piles offer cover from predators and nesting sites for some species. Dead trees (snags) provide roosting locations and cavities for nesting birds.

Water

Although many birds obtain water from their food, a year-round water source can attract more species for drinking and bathing. Place water sources in partial shade, near but not directly under trees or shrubs. An ideal bird bath slopes from about one inch to three inches in depth. Include rocks or sticks to provide safe footing.

Suitable water sources include bird baths, fountains, or shallow hollowed stones. Moving or circulating water is especially attractive to birds and helps discourage mosquitoes. If water is not recirculated, change it every one to two days.

References

Carloni, L. Planting California Natives: The Time Is Now. UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County. Planting California Natives – UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County 

National Audubon Society. How to Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly. How to Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly 

Nickbarg, C. Wildlife-Friendly Gardens, Part I. 2017. Our Gardening Blog – UC Master Gardeners of Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties 

Sterner, C. Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden. Garden Notes, San Joaquin County Master Gardener Newsletter. Creating a Bird-Friendly Garden – Garden Notes 

Tallamy, D. Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. Timber Press, 2009.