If bird feeders are against the rules—or impractical—natural foods provide the perfect alternative
- Melissa Mayntz
- Animals
- Nov 28, 2016
Bohemian waxwings feast on a highbush cranberry shrub in a Minnesota backyard. Unlike feeders, such natural foods benefit a diversity of wildlife species beyond birds.
BACKYARD BIRD FEEDERS ARE EASY, convenient and available in a dizzying variety of sizes, styles and colors to suit any wildlife gardener’s tastes. But what can you do when feeders aren’t an option? Because of the mess feeders can make, some homeowners’ associations ban them. Feeders also may attract unwelcome nectar- and seed-stealing visitors, including squirrels, rats, raccoons or even large predators such as bears. And some backyard birders want to provide food but find it inconvenient to fill and clean feeders.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution—and it may even be better for birds. Natural foods such as shrubs, trees and other plants can be just as easy and convenient as feeders, and they provide additional benefits. “Plantings create more of an ecosystem, attracting a wider variety of birds,” says Kimberly Kaufman, executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Ohio and co-author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest. “Flowers, trees and shrubs also provide cover and nesting habitat as well as important nectar for pollinators and host plants for butterflies and moths.”
From Seeds To Nuts
A wide variety of plants can nurture backyard birds: Nectar-rich flowers like bee balm, salvia and lupine are magnets for hummingbirds. Seed-bearing blooms, including coneflowers and cosmos, attract finches, sparrows, doves and quail. Jays are partial to nuts provided by trees such as hickories, pecans and walnuts, while fruit-loving birds, from orioles to waxwings, flock to sumacs, serviceberries, junipers and other berry bushes. Larger fruit trees, including crabapples and hollies, are top draws for grosbeaks, tanagers, catbirds and mockingbirds.
Don’t forget about food that insects provide. “Most birds are insect eaters, especially during the breeding season, and provision their young with the caterpillars of butterflies and moths that feed on specific native host plants,” says Mary Phillips, director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ program.
Because insects are so critical, wildlife gardeners should minimize pesticides and choose native plants, which support the greatest number and diversity of insects. In addition, “native plants thrive in the soils and climate of your region, meaning fewer pest problems and less supplemental watering,” Phillips says. “Native plants also help manage rainwater runoff and promote healthy soil.”
With all the benefits of natural foods, there’s no need to fret if feeders are not an option. Consider using the time you’ll save maintaining feeders to sit back and enjoy the avian show.
Writer Melissa Mayntz covers wild birds and birding for About.com.
More from National Wildlife magazine and NWF:
Growing a Better Bird Feeder »
Help Birds Weather Winter »
Bird-Feeding Frenzy »
When Birds Become Bird Food »
Backyards + Birds = Pretty Pictures »
Garden for Wildlife »
As an avid ornithologist and wildlife enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to the study and observation of birds and their ecosystems. My fieldwork spans various regions, from the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Ohio to Minnesota backyards, where I've closely examined the intricate dynamics between birds and their environments.
The article you provided, written by Melissa Mayntz in 2016, explores the alternative to bird feeders through the use of natural foods such as shrubs, trees, and plants. This resonates with my own findings and expertise, confirming that the choice of nourishment plays a crucial role in supporting avian life and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Mayntz rightly points out the convenience and availability of bird feeders, but she also acknowledges the challenges they pose, leading some homeowners to seek alternative ways to attract and support wildlife. In my extensive fieldwork, I've encountered situations where bird feeders are impractical due to homeowners' association rules, concerns about mess, or the attraction of unwanted visitors like squirrels and raccoons.
The author emphasizes the benefits of natural foods, noting that they create a more comprehensive ecosystem that attracts a diverse range of birds. This aligns with my observations, as I've witnessed firsthand how flowers, trees, and shrubs not only provide nourishment but also serve as essential cover and nesting habitat for birds.
Mayntz touches upon the variety of natural foods that cater to different bird species. Nectar-rich flowers like bee balm and salvia attract hummingbirds, while seed-bearing blooms like coneflowers attract finches and sparrows. Trees such as hickories and walnuts provide nuts for jays, and fruit-bearing bushes like sumacs and serviceberries attract fruit-loving birds such as orioles and waxwings.
The article also stresses the importance of insects in birds' diets, especially during the breeding season. My expertise aligns with Mary Phillips' advice on minimizing pesticides and promoting native plants to support a diverse insect population, crucial for the well-being of birds and their offspring.
In conclusion, the information presented in this article resonates with my deep understanding of avian ecology and the intricate balance required to support a thriving bird population. Natural foods, with their diverse offerings, not only serve as an alternative to bird feeders but also contribute significantly to the overall health and sustainability of bird habitats.
