Calling All Bird Lovers By Donna Torrey G
ardening is America’s favorite hobby, and close behind it is birdwatching. With the recent rains and steamy weather, the trees are flushed with new growth, and the
birds are busy nesting. The flurry of activity brings lots of singing and chirping and it would be a sad and quiet world with- out our feathered friends. It’s natural to want to
attract birds to our yards by putting out feeders and keep- ing them well stocked. How- ever, many of us have found out that seeds attract not only birds, but rodents as well. What’s a bird lover to do? The solution is an easy one. Plant native trees and shrubs that feed the birds naturally, mak- ing your humble abode less attractive to the rodents. I stopped putting out
seed a few years ago, and find that I have even more birds than before, minus the hordes of doves, pigeons, squirrels and rats. Don’t worry, these guys can find plenty of food without our handouts. By planting berry producing trees and shrubs, you will
attract the more desirable bird species that are less likely to enter into the feeding frenzy at the feeder: cardinals, war- blers, buntings, mockingbirds, woodpeckers, orioles, wax- wings, and others. I have found that Mulberry and Barbados Cherry are excel- lent for attracting many species of birds. They are so attractive
that if you want some for yourself, you’d better get up pretty early in the morning or plant extra! I always see cardinals in the Mul- berry and Barbados Cherry, and in the Firebush are my happy mockingbirds along with the butterflies and hummingbirds. If you only have room for one plant, Firebush is the win- ner, blooming and fruiting year round, a magnet for all. Simpson’s Stopper and
Marlberry are two excel- lent small fruiting trees that would enhance any garden. Right now, the Simpson’s Stopper is fruiting, and you will not only be thrilled by the birds it attracts, but by the heavenly scent of the flowers.
More good bird at-
tracting shrubs include Wild Coffee, Jamaican Caper, and Beautyberry, but there are many others. By plant- ing native shrubs and trees, you are ensuring a ready food supply for our beloved
songbirds. Florida native plants are uniquely adapted to our soil and seasons, attractive in the landscape, and easy to maintain. So, go ahead, feed the birds; it’s easy and free when you let nature do it for you!
Donna Torrey is the owner of The Garden Gate, a specialty gar- den shop. Be sure to check out Donna's Garden Journal at www.
donnasgardengate.com. See ad page 58.
48 Broward County, Florida
FtL.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
Photo: Nancy Cotton
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