Gardens Are For The Birds!

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Public Relations Chairperson

“Poor indeed is the garden in which birds find no home.”   —Abram L. Urban

The December garden is an expression of artistic interpretation. Some people find it lovely and uplifting; others see it as drab and depressing. Summer flowers have long since faded. The yellow, orange, and red leaves of fall have blown away in the first blue northern. Yet, the bare beauty of tree limbs becomes sculpture, creating dark, stark architectural lines against the light of the winter sky. Evergreen shrubs cast dusty-purple shadows across dormant lawns. Temporary holiday decorations and bright twinkling lights dot landscapes across Collin County.   

There is no reason to endure a boring, barren landscape in the winter months. There are many hardy plants that will thrive in Texas’ unpredictable winter weather. Not only do they add character and the occasional splash of color to the garden; but they provide food and shelter to birds and other wildlife, too.

The sight of birds fluttering in and out of the trees and shrubs outside my windows never fails to bring a moment of peace and joy to my day. I love the way the scarlet coloring of the male cardinal (who mates for life, by the way) seems to glow in the sunlight as he flies from tree to tree, singing “ricky-ricky-ricky-ricky-rick” calling his family to dinner. Or, the chickadees happily twitter as they flit from feeder to tree limb and back, savoring one little seed at a time.

It is important to have natural areas in our landscapes for our feathered friends. They need places that will provide protection from inclement weather and predators. There are several varieties of trees and shrubs that are not only attractive but offer safe havens and roosting areas. Add durable birdhouses so birds will have a place to nest and raise babies. Native grasses also provide good shelter and habitats. In addition to protection, planting seed, nut, and berry-producing trees, shrubs, and vines provides birds with a natural food source.

There are many winter garden plants that are cold tolerant and add a bit of color to north Texas landscapes. Possumhaw holly, wax myrtle, yaupon hollies, and junipers are just a few shrubs or trees whose berries are a winter source of food for many bird species. Oak and pecan trees have acorns and nuts that are eaten by a wide variety of birds and animals.  The 2 to 4-inch seed pods of native redbuds attract wildlife, too.

Vines not only dress-up a trellis or arbor, they serve another important purpose. Drought-tolerant coral honeysuckle does double duty.  Hummingbirds flock to the vine's showy red flowers in summer, which are followed by bright red berries that are a tasty treat to many winter native birds. Evergreen Carolina Jessamines’ glossy, dark green foliage is a great hiding place, and the fragrant yellow flowers are a delight for both humans and honey bees.

There are many annual and perennial plants that brighten the winter garden. They also offer a place for birds to scurry for shelter. Consider Ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies, violas, dianthus, and evergreen ferns. 

While Mother Nature does her best to offer a delicious smorgasbord of fruit and nuts, sometimes our weather – or lack of it – leaves wildlife with little to graze upon. Our extremely hot summer offered little rain, making this winter a great time to supply extra food for birds and wildlife.

Feeding birds in the winter offers a wonderful opportunity to see wild birds up close. Cardinals, chickadees, doves, titmice, various finches, sparrows, juncos, blue jays, wrens, and woodpeckers are just a few of the many bird species that call North Texas home. While they may co-exist happily in your garden, they don’t necessarily have the same tastes. Like people, birds have favorite foods and may be finicky eaters.

There are many types of bird feeders available on the market. Some are better suited for certain seed types than others. Cylinder feeders have small slits in them that are ideal for thistle or nyger. Wire racks hold suet cake (a fat-rendered product favored by wrens, chickadees, and robins) and can be hung in a tree or on a pole. Some birds prefer hanging feeders, while others like platform models. Feeders made from glass, plastic, or steel are more durable and easier to clean than those made from wood. Select a couple of different styles that appeal to you and the types of birds you wish to attract to your yard.

Black sunflower seeds attract cardinals, blue jays, finches, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers. Goldfinches are particularly fond of thistle; cracked corn is a favorite of doves, sparrows, juncos, and quail. Set out fruit, too, either strung on a string or placed in a shallow dish. Raisins, halved apples and oranges, berries, and currants are a favorite food source for mockingbirds, waxwings, finches, and woodpeckers.

Be resourceful and imaginative. Creating your own “feeders” can be a fun family project! Make a garland by stringing cranberries and unsalted, unbuttered popcorn. Drape on trees or shrubs for a bird-edible holiday decoration. Spread pinecones with peanut butter and roll in birdseed. Tie a string around the top and hang from tree branches. Use the peanut butter/birdseed technique on stale bagels! Cut in half, and spread and dip on the cut side. Loop a string through the hole, and you’ve got an inexpensive, homemade bird feeder.

Another crafty idea is to create an outdoor wreath by skewering or wiring (don’t use glue as it can be toxic) acorns, nuts, pinecones, seed pods, holly sprigs or other natural materials for a festive food source that will attract birds, squirrels, and their friends. Place on a wreath stand near a window where it can be viewed. 

Lastly, don’t forget the birds need a clean water source year round. Any shallow receptacle will do. They don’t have to be fancy. A pie plate, small bowl, plant saucer, or bird bath will all serve the purpose. Just be sure they are always filled with fresh water. 

I can’t think of a better way to keep a garden flourishing throughout the year than by caring for the birds and their environment. Nature is a gift.  Tending to it opens our hearts and reminds us of the delicate thread that connects us to the natural world.  

Happy birding!