Winter is for the Birds

By Lyn Hayes, Forsyth County Master Gardener

TownLoafer Magazine, February 2007

Forsyth County is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, and with this growth we are losing some of our natural bird and wildlife habitats. Therefore, the need for creating wildlife habitats is on the increase. You can assist in this process by providing areas in your landscape for birds to find the three basic elements for survival: food, water, and shelter.

It is easy to create a bird friendly environment in your own backyard. By creating this environment you will add color and music to your life.

Landscaping for Birds
First, inventory your property. Your yard may already have some areas that are perfect bird environments. Make a sketch of your property and show areas that are sunny, shady, wet or sandy sites. Show locations of trees, shrubs and locations of existing feeders. Include sheds, fences, and other buildings or structures you may have on your property.

Develop a planting plan from your map. When providing a habitat, try to include a variety of plants as this will encourage a large diversity of birds. Different plants provide different types of food such as berries or fruit, seeds, flower buds, nectar, or sap.

Nut and acorn trees will include oaks, chestnuts walnuts, hickories, and buckeyes. These will produce food as well as nesting sites.

Winter tolerant plants will include snowberry, crabapple, Virginia creeper, viburnums, cranberry, and winterberry (holly). These plants provide a rich food source during the harsh months and the fruit remains attached to the plant long after they ripen in the fall.

Conifers such as evergreens, arborvitae, shrubs, and pines provide excellent shelter and nesting sites as well as a food source.

Don’t forget to add summer fruiting plants and nectar producing plants to provide nourishment for the nesting season. Also, these types of plantings will attract the hummingbirds.

Think Native! It is always a good idea to use plants that are native to our area. They are more likely to thrive than some special variety you get from a nursery or catalog. As always, check with your local extension office to obtain a list of “non-invasive” native plants.

Create Shelters
Provide areas for the birds to nest and escape from predators. Consider leaving some wild areas on your property. Thickets or groups of shrubs are wonderful for nesting birds. Birds will not nest in just a simple shrub in the middle of your yard; they need the protection of a hedgerow with additional plant groupings around it.

Leave the leaves! The birds will use these areas to find nesting materials as well as digging up insects from beneath the decomposing debris.

A dead tree is a great cavity for providing a home for the birds. If you feel it is unsightly in your landscape, plant some vines around it such as Virginia creeper and your little winged friends will love you.

Of course, you can always install birdhouses throughout your landscape for the birds to move into. There are a large variety of houses to choose from. I recommend you check out a local bird supply store to find just the right house for the birds you want to encourage to live in your yard.

Water
Water is a very important element for any wildlife habitat. You can provide water in many ways, by placing a simple birdbath in your landscape, or by creating water gardens, waterfalls, or ponds. In most cases, small birds do not like deep water. They generally bathe by simply splashing water on their feathers. Therefore, the water you offer only needs to be ½” to 2” deep at most. The water level will decrease due to evaporation and splash, so refill your birdbath often. (Keep this in mind when choosing a location for your birdbath.)

Keep water out through the winter. Birds need water in the winter months as well. If the temperature falls below freezing, replace the water or break the ice so the birds can have access. You can keep the water from freezing by placing a small heating element that can be plugged in to keep the water temperature above freezing. These are available through specialty bird stores or online. NEVER add anything to the water such as antifreeze or glycerin; both are poisonous to all animals, including birds.

In conclusion, creating a bird sanctuary in your own backyard is a way of restoring some of the natural areas that have been taken away due to the growth in this area. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and will enhance your own living environment as well. Best of luck to you and enjoy the birds!