TIPS FOR ATTRACTING BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GARDEN
1. Planting for Food Sources
A variety of plant material will attract many different birds depending on their food preference. Birds readily come to plants that bear friuit, berries or seeds. Orioles go to grape vines with ripening grapes, Hummingbirds to trumpet vines, butterflies to flowers that have nectar, etc.
2. Plantings to Provide Nesting and Protection
Canopy trees, shrubs, groundcovers all provide nesting areas and protection from hot sun, wind, rain and cats!!
3. Water is Essential
All living things need water. Having a bird bath or pond among the plantings not only provides water for the birds but also enhances the area planted.
4. Dust Baths for Birds
Birds and butterflies find sandy, loamy, light soil to bathe in to get rid of parasites on their body. A small area surrounded by rocks filled with fine sand, ash and loam will work well. You will often see birds dusting themselves in the fine sand at playgrounds.
5. Nesting Materials
Collect bits and pieces of string or yarn and clean dryer lint and put it inside of a mesh bag and hang it or buy ready-made nesting material to hang.
6. Feeding Throughout the Seasons
Offer suet, birdseed, fruits and nuts during the cold months to help sustain the non-migratory birds.
7. Give Birds Shelter with Windbreaks
Planting tall deciduous trees at the edge of the property with progressively smaller trees and shrubs nearing the house give the birds protection from cold winds.
8. Places to Perch for Birds and Butterflies
Many of the plant material will provide a resting place for birds and butterflies, although, butterflies are attracted to tubular, nectar-bearing flowers, they too need flat flowers to rest on. Birds can usually find dead twigs within the tree branches to perch on and rest.
9. Groundcovers and Slopes
Many birds will search for food under the fallen leaves and groundcovers. Creeping juniper, rosemary, lantana and Boston ivy are all low spreading and will provide nooks and crannies for birds to forage for insects or berries. Creating artificial slopes in the garden not only gives the garden a natural look but also birds can search for food and find some protection from predators.
10. Variety of Plants
Choose plants that will produce seeds and fruits or flowers during the various seasons of the year. A variey of plants will provide food and camouflage.