This time of year, gardens, parks and natural areas begin to fill with the songs and sights of migrating birds. More than 200 species of birds fly through the Chicago area every autumn, following Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River south for the winter. “All those millions of birds need food and shelter along the way,” said Spencer Campbell, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
“They may be on a journey of a thousand miles or more, and they depend on the trees and other plants in our forest preserves, neighborhoods and backyards.” Trees provide sheIter, spots to rest, and feasts of high-protein insects to migratory birds including warblers, tanagers, tree sparrows, and rose-breasted grosbeaks as well as to birds that stay all winter such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and cardinals. Scientific research has shown that urban areas with mature trees — including trees in yards and parkways — host more birds.
Shrubs, especially native species, often provide berries as well as insects. Perennials such as wild bergamot ( Monarda fistulosa ) and jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis ) offer nectar to migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds, while prairie flowers and grasses provide seeds to many kinds of birds. Many homeowners enjoy the migrating birds that stop off at bird feeders.
“That’s a great way to bring birds close to we can see them,” Campbell said, “but what we plant makes a much bigger difference to them.” Here are some tips for a bird-friend.