Attract More Birds With Native Plants
Birds Need Insects Bluebird with Insect by "kansasphoto" Flickr.com Birds eat more than birdseed. Especially when they are raising their young, birds need the protein provided by insects. Our native insects are specialists adapted to feed on the native plants they evolved with.
Help rebuild the base of the wildlife food pyramid by planting a variety of native plants. You will help birds and many other species of wildlife too. For more information about this insect based web of life read Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy or watch his short video at the right. |
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Seeds, Nuts and Berries
Goldfinches Enjoying Seeds of Coneflowers by "Distant Hill
Gardens" Flickr.com
Native plants provide other food sources for birds to get them through the winter when insects are less plentiful. The seeds, nuts and berries of native plants evolved to ripen at different times throughout the season. Some berries are unpalatable until several freeze thaw cycles or fermentation occurs. This keeps them hanging on the tree or shrub long after other food sources have been exhausted.
To see a list of (mostly) native trees and shrubs that provide food for birds click here.
To see a list of (mostly) native trees and shrubs that provide food for birds click here.
Plant a Hummingbird Feeder
Photo by Matt Kear
"maker" Flickr.com
"maker" Flickr.com
Hummingbirds return to Michigan as early as April 15th every year. Putting out feeders filled with homemade nectar (recipe) can help them survive until there are flowers to provide the real thing. Plant a variety of native plants to supply them with flower nectar all season long. Click here for a list of plants they will love.
Observe Bird Banding at Rose Lake
Nashville Warbler at Burke Lake Banding Station
by "ksblack99" Flickr.com
by "ksblack99" Flickr.com
Valuable information about migrating birds is being collected at the Burke Lake Banding Station located in the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area near Bath, Michigan. Visitors are welcome to observe the process and see the birds up close on the days they are banding. Find visitor information and their calendar by following this link.