Create a Bird-Friendly Yard
Your yard can provide valuable habitat for birds in all seasons. Go beyond the bird feeder and start landscaping with birds in mind.
Trees
One of the best groups to plant (or not cut down) are the oaks (Quercus). In a study by Doug Tallamy, he found the highest number of native caterpillars on oak trees. Remember, not all birds eat seeds. Even those seed-eaters use caterpillars to feed their young.
Another good species is the Black Cherry (Prunus). Not only did it support 456 butterfly/moth species in Dr. Tallamy's research, its fruits are also sought out by birds. If you see a Black Cherry sprout in you yard, consider leaving it to grow. Perhaps mulch and landscape around it and make it a focal point.
Rounding out the list are the Willows (Salix), Birches (Betula), Poplars (Populus) and Crabapples (Malus)
Shrubs
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Possumhaw (Viburnum nudum)
Winterberry Ilex verticillata
(This page is a work in progress.)
Brochure
Our new brochure: These Plants are for the Birds.
Chestnut-sided Warbler Photo: Phil Hardy
Rose-breasted Grosbeak on Mulberrry Photo: Dan Vickers
Nursery List
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia maintains a list of nurseries specializing in native plants. You can fine one near you by visiting HERE.