Tour the Outdoors Archives ... see our Birds and Gardens page
Plant a Garden that's "For The Birds"
You can attract birds to your yard by placing bird feeders, bird baths and nest boxes in your garden. But you can double the number of species using your property by adding a bird habitat. By planting certain trees, shrubs and flowers, you produce safe nesting sites, winter shelter, and continuous food supplies ... not to mention a beautiful natural setting around your home.
Here's a list of plants that thrive in Alabama and some of the birds they will attract:
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Attracting Hummingbirds |
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Summer-Fruiting |
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Fall-Fruiting |
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Winter-Fruiting Blackhaw (attracts Bluebirds, Cedar
Waxwings, good nesting sites and cover) |
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Evergreens
Grasses |
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Perennials, Herbs and Annuals |
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Other Basic Tips for your gardening and birding
enjoyment ...
Water: Birds love
a slow sprinkler. Hummingbirds,Ttitmice and Chickadees like to bathe in oscillating
water and Warblers are especially attracted to the sound of dripping water.
Clean birdbaths regularly.
Bird Food and Feeders: Put out a variety
of seeds and feeders. Cardinals love Safflower, Thistle feeders are a must for
Goldfinches, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks flock to fruit. Black-oil Sunflower is
an all time favorite. Suet is especially important during winter and spring
because of the high energy and fat content but also as an excellent food source
for nestlings in the summer, as they love the softer food. It is also draws
all types of Woodpeckers. Be sure to use an all-season suet for the warmer months.
Clean feeders monthly. Wash them out with soapy water, then disinfect with a
weak bleach solution.
If you want more information about attracting birds to your garden, ask your
local Alabama Cooperative Extension office. (the Tuscaloosa County Office is
(205) 349-4630.
ALSO SEE ...
Plant An Alabama Butterfly Garden
Plant A Garden "For The Birds"
Extra Calcium Builds Strong Birds
Tour
the Outdoors Archives ... see
our Birds and Gardens page 
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