Bird-Friendly Yards

Bird-Friendly Yards: Plants, Shelter and Safety

A tidy lawn with a few clipped hedges offers birds very little food, cover or nesting material. Native plants, layered planting and a bit of seasonal mess can turn the same space into a place wildlife returns to year after year. Hazards such as window strikes, outdoor cats and pesticides also decide whether birds thrive or avoid a yard.

These guides show you how to plan a planting layout, choose native shrubs, trees and flowers for your region, and provide shelter through every season. You will find simple ways to reduce window collisions, cut back on chemical use and leave useful habitat such as leaf litter and seed heads. For plant choices that suit your exact area, your local extension service or native plant society is a reliable next step.