document resume - eric · document resume. ed 271 304. se 046 658. title. invite birds to your...

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 271 304 SE 046 658

TITLE Invite Birds to Your Home. Conservation Plantings forthe Northeast.

SPONS AGENCY Soil Conservation Service (DOA), Washington, D.C.PUB DATE Jan 80NOTE 18p.; Contains colored photographs which may not

reproduce well. For related publications, see SE 046657-660.

PUB TYPE Reference Materials - General (130)

EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTORS *Botany; *Conservation (Environment); *Conservation

Education; Ecology; Environmental Education;Horticulture; *Landscaping; Natural Resources;*Ornamental Horticulture; *Ornithology; PhysicalEnvironment; Plant Identification; ScienceEducation

IDENTIFIERS *Birds; United States (Northeast)

ABSTRACTDescriptions of plants which serve as food and/or

protection for birds of the northeast United States are presented inthis publication. Explanations are given for each plant as to;ornamental value; time in bloom and in fruit; height; adaptations;and the number of bird species that use it. Practical ideas andsuggestions are outlined flr attracting birds to home and gardens. Amodel of a conservation treatment for a suburban lot is offered andillustrated. Considerations and comments are directed to birds' needsand food plots, cutback borders and clearings, grassed and openareas, water areas, living screens and living fences. A list ofpamphlets on plants, soils, and conservation methods is alsoprovided. (ML)

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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document.

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conservation plantings for the Northeast

INVITE BIRDSTO YOUR HOME

U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice of Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER (ERIC)

Ins document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organizationoriginating it

C Minor changes have been made to improvereproduction quality

Points of new or opinions stated in this docu-ment do not necessarily represent officialOF RI position or policy

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY

42... /4-.____Angti

TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)"

SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE

PLANTS FOR BIRDS, BEAUTY, PROTECTION

AUTUMN OLIVE Efeeagnus umbellate

Bird use: 25 species

Ornamental values: Large, spreadingshrub with gray-green foliage fragrant,small, yellowish bloom; abundant, speck-led, cardinal fruits.

Adaptations: Deep, moist to dry soil; sun to light shade; cardinal variety, winterhardy.

In bloom: May-July In fruit: September-February

Sources: Commercial nurseries, several State nurseries.

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HOLLY Ilex spp.Winterberry illus.


Ornamental value:: Numerous varietiesshrub to tree form; evergreen or sheddingglossy dark-green foliage; small whitishblooms; bright-red to yellow fruits.

Adaptations: Wet to well-drained soil; sun to shade.

In fruit: August-June

Sources: Commercial nurseries, wilding transplants or cuttings.

SILK; DOGWOOD Cornus arnomunt


Ornamental values: Medium shrubwhite flat flower clusters and blue fruit:lusters; bronze fall foliage; reddish-purplewinter stems.

Adaptations: Wet to dry soil; sun to light shade.

In bloom: May-July 3 In fruit: August-September

Sources: Commercial nurseries, State nurseries, wilding transplants and cuttings.

SUMAC Rhus spp.Staghorn illus.

Bird usc: 17 species

Ornamental values: Low to tall shrubsthat have interesting shapespalinlike ortrifoliate leaves, greenish flower spikes,conical clusters of red fruits, brilliant fallfoliage.

Adaptations: Well-drained to very dry shallow soil; sun.

In bloom: June-July In fruit: September-May

Sources: Root cuttings, commercial nurseries.

CHERRY Prunus sop.Chokecherry illus.


Ornamental values: ,mall to large treessmall fine-toothed leaves, yellow in fall;showy white flower clusters or droopingspikes; small bright-red to hlack fruits.

Adaptations: Moist to dry soil; sun to light shade.

In bloom: April-June In fruit: Bird cherry, June; chokecherry, July-September; pin cherry, August-October; Black cherry, July-November.

Sources: Commercial nurseries, wilding transplants.

Adaptations: Moist to dry soil; sun.

In bloom: May-JuneCf PribIn111 SOO410 es.:1111

MOUNTAIN-ASH Sorbus spp.

Bird use: 15 specks

Ornamental values: Medium tree withattractive compound leavesflat, whiteflower clusters; bright-red or orange berryclusters.

41 In fruit: August-March

GRAY-STEMMED DOGWOODCornus paniculata


Ornamental values:

L.L1

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Thicket-forming me--.1dium shrubssmall, flat, white flowenelclusters; white berries on pink stems. c:C

OIn fruit: August-November l'c'N

Ls.JCO

Adaptations: Well-drained to dry soil; sun

In bloom: June

Sources: Wilding transplants and cuttings

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AMERICAN CR ANBERRYBUSHViburnum trilobum


Ornamental values: Upright tall shrubwith maplelike foliageshowy, white, flatclusters of flowers; glossy scarlet fruitclusters.

Adaptations: Deep, wet to well-drained soil; sun to light shade.

In bloom: May-June In fruit: September-May -

Sources: Commercial nurseries, some State nurseries, wilding transplants or cuttings.

BITTERSWEET Celastrus scandens


Ornamental values: Twining vine withpale-green foliage greenish flowers;bright-red berries in yellow or orangehusks.

Adaptations: Well-drained to dry soil; sun to light shade.

In bloom: May-June 5 In fruit: September-December

Sources: Commercial imrseris. some State nurser:es. cutting.

MAUR HONEYSUCKLE

Bird use: 8 speciesOrnamental values: Large shrubwhite blooms; red fruits.Adaptations: Well-drained to dry soil; sun to shade.in bloom: July-AugustSources: Commercial nurseries.

CRABAPPLE

Bird use: 18 speciesOrnamental values: Small treesshowy white to pink blooms; red, orange, andyellow fruits.

Adaptations: Moist to dry soil; sun.In bloom: AprilMay In fruit: September-AprilSources: Commercial nurseries, grafting, budding.

Lonicora maacki

In fruit: October-April

Maks: spp.

FIRETHORN

Bird use: 17 speciesOrnamental values: Medium shrubswhite blooms; orange or red berries.Adaptations: Moist to well-drained soil; sun.In bloom: JuneSources: Commercial nurseries.

Pyrocantha spp.

In fruit: September-March

FLOWERING DOGWOOD Cornus FloridaBird use: 36 species

Ornamental values: Large shrub to small tree with layered foliagehighly orna-mental white to reddish blooms; bunched bright-red fruits; bronze fall color.Adaptations: Well-drained to dry soil; sun to shade.In bloom: April-June In fruit: September-FebruarySources: Commercial nurseries.

HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY


Ornamental values: Medium shrub with dark-green leathery leavessmall greenish-white blooms; bright-blue berries; scarlet fall color.

Adaptations: Wet to dry soil; sun.

In bloom: June-August

Sources: Commercial nurseries, wilding transplants.

Vaccinium corymbosum

In fruit: July-October

HOW PLANTS LOOKFULL GROWN

AROMATIC

SUMACBAYBERRY

HIGHBUSH

BLUEBERRY

REDOSIER

AND SILKY

DOGWOODS

FIRETHORN

AMERICAN

CRANBERRY-

BUSH

TATARIAN

AND AMUR

HONEYSUCKLE

1J

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40'

35'

30'

25'

20'

15'.

,. irf, s'it

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HAWTHORN


Ornamental values: Small, domed treepale-green toothed leaves; abundant, clus-tered, white flowers; orange to red fruits.

Adaptations: Deep, moist to dry soil; sun.

In bloom: May-June In fruit: October -March (Variable)

Sources: Commercial nurseries.

Crataegus spp.

REDCEDAR

Bird use: 68 varieties

Ornamental values: Medium evergreen tree (many varieties)denseneedles; small, dusty-blue, ber.ylike cones.

Adaptations: Moist to dry soil; sun to light shade.

In fruit: September-May

Sources: Commercial nurseries, w: ding transplants.

Juniporus virginiano

blue-green

REDOSIER DOGWOOD

Bird use: 19 speciesOrnamental values: Medium shrub--white blooms; whitewinter.Adaptations: Wet to well-drained soil; sun to shade.In bloom: May-July In

Sources: Commercial nurseries, wilding transplants, cuttings.

TATARIAN HONEYSUCKLE

Bird use: 17 speciesOrnamental values: Large shrubpink to yellow blooms; redAdaptations: Well-drained to dry soil; sun to shade.In bloom: June-July InSources: Commercial nurseries.

VIRGINIA CREEPER

Bird use: 37 speciesOrnamental values: Ground or climbing vineblue to black berries; red in fall.Adaptations: Moist to dry soil; sun to shade.In fruit: August-FebruarySources: Wilding transplants, cuttings, commercial maseries.

Cornus stolonifora

berries; red stems in

fruit: July-September

Lonicera tatarko

twinned berries.

fruit: July September

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

AUTUMNJR

KLEOLIVE

STAGHORN

SUMAC

CRABAPPLE

AND

HAWTHORN

FLOWERING

DOGWOOD

CHOKECHERRY

AND

PIN CHERRY

MOUNTAIN-ASH REDCEDAR HOLLY

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INVITE BIRDSTO YOUR HOME

The songs of birds and their colorful, sprightly activities add much tothe joys of county or suburban living. Birds help reduce the insect peststhat attack flowers, lawns, gardens, and people.

Perhaps you've had some experience with manmade devices thatattract birdsfeeders, birdbaths, birdhouses nesting shelves, and thelike. But here's a natural way to invite birds your home and grounds.

Plant shrubs, trees, vines, and other plants that serve the various needsof birds. Such plants not only attract birds, hit they can also bring beautyto your property.

The plants shown here are pleasing both to birds and to the humaneye. With the same stroke that you get your landscaping done, you pro-vide places where birds can feed, sing, court, nest, rest, hide, and do allthe other things that birds do.

Birds regularly feed on berries, and their favorite berries are usuallybright-hued and decorative. Their needs for shelter are met by hedgesand other dense shrubbery that can fit handsomely in the backyard scene.

Trees for nesting and singing offer shade and beauty to the householder.And the pool or pond built for wildlife can also serve as a recreation areafor the family.

Mix and Blend

Birds like variety. Bear this in mind when you blend the plantszi:tractive to birds into the conservation-planned landscape of both youryard and grounds. Plan a rich intermingling of species, sizes, and shapesof plants. And lay out your plantings in varied patterns. Give birds awide choice for their various activitiesfrom the crowns of tall trees allthe way down to the low seed-heads in flowerbeds and lawns.

You have any number of options as to hardwoods and conifers; vines,shrubs, and trees; grasses; flowers; and even weeds to create a land-scape conservation designone that will bring birds outside your win-dow. If your yard is small, you'll have to depend mostly on singlespecimen plants. But if you have extensive grounds you can use hedges,clumps, feeding strips, and other massed plantings. If you have awooded area, a small clearing lends variety to the landscape for birds.

By studying the plants already present along with your general planfor landscaping, you can bring in a diversity of plant forms, food pro-ducers, and shelter plants that would otherwise be missing. Manycommon shade trees and landscape shrubs, for example, yield little foodfor birds. Here you may work in autumn olive, honeysuckle, or othergood fruit-bearing shrubs. Yards and grounds that have only leaf-shedding trees and shrubs are improved by adding junipers, cedars, yews,and other evergreens that provide shelter to birds in winter.

Be sure to think about being able to see the birds. Put the plantswhere they can be observed from a window, patio, or terrace. And

ve high bird use for best results. Careful

Birds Outside Your Window

CONSERVATIONA SUBURBAN LOT-

00

NATURALGRASSES ANDWILDF' OWERS

(Maintained by mowing)

10

BACK BOR

C.,

Pool or birdbath

Flower bed

) Shade tree

Large conifer

Low conifer

Ornamental or

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Mix and Blend

Birds like variety. Bear this in mind when you blend the plantsattractive to birds into the conservation-planned landscape of both youryard and grounds. Plan a rich intermingling of species, sizes, and shapesof plants. And lay out your plantings in varied patterns. Give birds awide choice for their various activitiesfrom the crowns of tall trees allthe way down to the low seed-heads in flowerbeds and lawns.

You have any number of options as to hardwoods and conifers; vines,shrubs, and trees; grasses; fkr.ers; and even weeds to create a land-scape conservation designone that will bring birds outside your win-dow. If your yard is small, you'll have to depend mostly on singlespecimen plants. But if you have extensive grounds you can use hedges,clumps, feeding strips, and other massed plantings. If you have awooded area, a small clearing !ends variety to the landscape for birds.

By studying the plants already present along with your general planfor landscaping, you can bring in a diversity of plant forms, food pro-ducers, and shelter plants that would otherwise be missing. Manycommon shade trees and landscape shrubs, for example, yield little foodfor birds. Here you may work in autumn olive, honeysuckle, or othergood fruit-bearing shrubs. Yards and grounds that have only leaf-shedding trees and shrubs are improved by adding junipers, cedars, yews,and other evergreens that provide shelter to birds in winter.

Be sure to think about being able to see the birds. Put the plantswhere they can be observed from a window, patio, or terrace. Andchoose those reported to have high bird use for best results. Carefulattention to the periods of bloom and availability of choice foods makesit possible to have a succession of floral displays and bird foods through-out the year.

FOR HELP

You can get further information on plants and conservation methodsat your local soil conservation district office. The Soil ConservationService, as part of its assistance to conservation districts, helps individualland users apply many soil and water conservation practices that in-crease wildlife. County agents, commercial nurserymen, landscapearchitects, and bird societies can also help.

U. S. Department of Agriculture pamphlets that may be helpful are:Soil Conservation at Home (AIB-244)Making Land Produce Useful Wildlife (FB-2035 )More Wildlife Through Soil and Water Conservation (AIB-175)Autumn Olive For Wildlife and Other Conservation Uses (L-458)Growing the Flowering Dogwood (G-88)

Plants listed in this brochure are adapted and useful in the Northeastand as far south and west as Virginia and Kentucky.

PA-940 DOCIPME sr 1969kppraved for reprinting January 1980

Supersedes PA-840, "Conservation Plantings Invite Birds to Your Home"

For bale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Go% ernment Printing OfficeWnshington, D.C. 20402

Price 25 cents : 25% discount allowed on orders of 100 or more to one address

Stock No. 001-000-00022-3

There is a minimum charge of $1.00 for c.:ch mall order

it US. 410V8g0llar Mania 01M1 t 11110-0-314-233

NATURALGRASSES ANDWILDFLOWERS

(Maintained by mowing)

BACK BORDERJK .

Cr

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I

LEGEND

Pool or birdu ith

Flower bed

C) Shade tree

Large conifer

0 Low conifer

0 garden shrubs

0 Shrubs for birds

Ornamental or

ULSI COPY AVAILABLE

CONSERVATION TREATMENTS FORA SUBURBAN LOT-LARGE OR SMALL

410 00ar:.) 01+1 0

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NATURALGRASSES ANDWILDFLOWERS

(Maintained by mowing)WOODS

LEGEND

Ca) Pool or birdbath

ej Flower bed

C.0 Shade tree

) Large conifer

Low conifer

Ornamental orgarden shrubs

Shr JD' for birds

Trees for birds

Shrub hedge

Wesping willow

Woodlond clearing

Natural orplanted hedgerow

000 Conifer screen with009 Okintd shrub borders

BTT COPY AVAILABLE

CONSERVATION PLANNING

The design to the left is a stitall-scab sample of the conservation treatmentspplied on farms and other large rural properties in the Northeast. It shows, first,

(top left) what can be done on a house lot of ordinary size. Then, if you have

dditional space, it shows other treatments that can be added.You need to consider, when planting for birds, such things as soil, slope, drainage,

xposure aspects, and climate as well as your personal wishes. Added benefits occur

there plantings can be sited to provide shade, soil stabilization, and control of

totentially dal .aging water runoff.

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Water Areas.When you build a small pool or pond you'll get an extra dividend

in birds. Border these watering places with contoured 'ledges and plant clumps of

shrubs and conifers in corners well back from the water. Willows are especially

attractive to orioles, warblers, and catbirds.

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Food Plots.You can set up a strip cropping rotation of bird foods in small fields.Plant a different strip each year. Corn, buckwheat, sunflowers, and Japanese andGerman millets are good foods for bilds. You can plow a different strip each yearand let nature do the planting. A good rotation opens strips 1-3-5-2-4 successively.

Cutback Borders and Clearings.Cut your fireplace wood from along the edgesof the woods. Cut all trees over 4 inches in diameter in a strip 20 feet or moredeep along the edge. Native shr.lbs, vines, wildflm ers, and herbs will soon fill thisstrip. You'll find it full of birds too. Clear-cut small blocks about 50 feet squarenside the woods, especially around nut- or fruit-bearing trees. Birds concentrate in!caring; and nut or fruit yields increase.

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"Living Screens ". Screen with windbreak plantings unpleasant views and areaswhere privacy is desired. Conifers bordered by such shrubs as autumn olive, dogwood,or honeysuckle make effective screens.

16

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Water Areas.When you build a small pool or pond you'll get an extra dividend

in birds. Border these watering places with contoured hedges and plant clumps of

shrubs and conifers in corners well back from the water. Willows are especially

attractive to orioles, warblers, and catbirds.

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"Living Screens".Screen with windbreak plantings unpleasant views and areas

where privacy is dc ...red. Conifers bordered by such shrubs as autumn olive, dogwood,

or honeysuckle make effective screens.

"Living Fences".Hedgerows across open fields, either planted or encouraged

to come in naturally, furnish a diversity of plant life that adds both numbers andspecies of birds to your lot. Autumn olive, Tatarian honeysuckle, and dogwoods are

good for planting. If you plow a 6-foot strip in which you set poles about every 20 feet

and string wire or stout cord between the poles, perciiing birds will do the planting.

18