PLANNING AND PLANTING FOR THE BIRDS - Judy Ziemba, State Horticulture Chairman

As the days become cooler, the hummingbirds suddenly stop showing up at the feeder, but the regular bird feeders continue to be a very popular oasis for the local birds and for those passing through on their southern journey. You can increase the number of birds in your yard with a good landscaping plan. Fall is a good time to think about adding a few things to make your area a bit more hospitable to wild birds. Their basic needs include food, water, and shelter. Many plant choices will provide all three. To attract more birds to your area, the first thing to do is inventory your garden and see what is available now. Let us take a brief look at "who eats what" so you can attract the birds you wish. Birds seem to prefer one of four main diets though many will eat a mixture. There are the fruit-eaters, the insect-lovers, the seed-eaters and nectar-sippers.

Fruiting plants are very important. A variety of spring, summer and fall-fruiting shrubs and trees is an important part of the habitat plan. The birds that really love the fruit are brown thrashers, cardinals, thrushes, orioles, towhees, grosbeaks, waxwings, woodpeckers, and catbirds. They appreciate all types of cherries, honeysuckle, raspberries, serviceberries, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, mulberry, wild plums and elderberries. Fall fruiting plants draw in the migrating crowd as well as the non-migrating species. They eat the fruits of the dogwoods, mountain ash, cottoneaster and Washington hawthorns. In winter, the viburnums, including American highbush cranberry, as well as holly, chokecherry, crabapples, snowberry, bittersweet, sumacs and Virginia creeper serve well and are especially attractive after a bit of freezing and thawing.

Warblers, vireos, woodpeckers and flycatchers are some of the insect eaters. Oak trees host nearly 300 species of insects, more than most trees. Willows, poplars, and birches also provide a rich feast for the insect eaters. Robins and mockingbirds eat many insects also but they also love fruit.

Seed eating birds include cardinals, sparrows and finches. If you grow perennials like cosmos, gloriosa daisies, columbines, black-eyed susans, purple coneflowers and asters, there is a ready supply of seeds. Deadheading in summer keeps them flowering but allowing some flowers to seed, especially as the days get shorter, adds to the diet of our feathered visitors.

Orioles and hummingbirds favor nectar-producing plants. Flowers with red corollas are the favorite but many shrubs, vines and flowers can satisfy this diet. Early in the season, the columbines, coralbells, dame's rocket are enjoyed. Later monarda, liatris, cardinal flower, delphinium, foxgloves, lilies, penstemons, salvias, nasturtiums, phlox, hollyhocks, and impatiens provide the nectar these birds crave.

Availability of water is another important part of attracting birds. Nothing draws birds into your garden quicker than a birdbath. A water feature especially dripping water works like a magnet. Be sure there is shallow access for drinking and bathing and baths are scrubbed and filled regularly. Remember to allow space around so that predators can be seen and don't discourage bird visits. Many people use small heaters to provide open water in the winter.

Protection from sun, wind, rain, cold and predators enhances your bird sanctuary. Dense shrubs nearby allow small birds cover to hide from the local hawk or visitor. Family shelter can be provided with birdhouses, bird nesting baskets or platforms.

Multiple needs are served by planting conifers, trees and shrubs as escape cover, winter shelter, summer nesting sites and some provide sap, buds and seeds. Your evergreen plantings are excellent year round.

Grasses and legumes are important cover for ground nesting birds, especially if the grasses are not mowed. Along with nesting, legumes and grasses supply seeds and since prairie grasses are becoming popular for landscaping, they are a possible addition to your birdscaping.

Native plants should always receive some consideration. If your site can tolerate wilder habitats including dead trees, brush piles and unmowed grassy areas, they are pluses. As we continue to alter our native landscapes, natural habitats are replaced with concrete, lawns and carefully manicured horticulture. Natural vegetation can continue to support our wild birds whether we are available to fill birdfeeders regularly and allows our diners to choose their own food. By planning for the birds, we help compensate for progress and add beauty to our own homes.