Bird Friendly garden - bushes and trees to attract birds

1. Introduction: The Mutual Love Affair Between Birds and Trees
Imagine a garden teeming with chirping, vibrant birds, flitting from branch to branch. Not only do trees and shrubs enhance our landscapes, but they also invite a delightful array of birds, offering endless hours of birdwatching. And guess what? The benefits are mutual!

2. The Native Advantage: Why Local Trees Are Best
When you’re looking to enrich your garden, native trees are the way to go. They’re tailored to Ontario’s climate, support the local ecosystem, and are magnets for native bird species. Plus, they’re a sustainable choice that bolsters the environment. Book Recommendations :

[R.C. Hosie] Native Trees Of Canada

East Coast Trees and Shrubs: A visual guide to 50+ species in Atlantic Canada

3. Beyond Feeders: The Year-Round Benefits of Native Trees
While birdfeeders and birdbaths are fantastic, native trees offer year-round perks. From providing shelter during harsh winters to being a food source in warmer months, these trees are a bird’s best friend.

4. Top Trees to Turn Your Yard into a Bird Haven

Mulberries: These berry-laden trees are a favorite for robins, waxwings, and cardinals. Just remember to plant them away from walkways to avoid berry messes.
Flowering Dogwood: A visual treat with its vibrant leaves and a bird magnet, especially in the fall.

White Oak: A classic Ontario native, this tree’s acorns are a hit among woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys.

Spruce: Towering and majestic, these trees attract seed-loving birds like crossbills and migrating warblers.
Mountain Ash: With bright orange berries, this tree is both a visual delight and a bird favorite.

Black Cherry: A dual benefit tree – it attracts birds and supports pollinators with its spring blooms.

5. Shrubs that Make Birds Swoon

Virginia Creeper: This vine, with its autumnal scarlet hue, is both a nesting spot and a food source for birds.

Red-Osier Dogwood: Known for its red branches, this shrub’s fatty berries are a bird delicacy.
Winterberry: The festive holly, which requires both male and female plants for berry production, is a winter favorite among birds.
Nannyberry: With large purple berries and springtime white flowers, this shrub is a birdwatcher’s dream.

6. Birds: The Unsung Heroes for Trees
It’s a beautiful symbiosis. While trees offer birds shelter and food, birds reciprocate by keeping harmful pests at bay. From munching on caterpillars and beetles to aiding in pollination and seed dispersal, birds play a pivotal role in ensuring our gardens thrive.

7. The Perfect Time to Plant: Seize the Spring
Spring is the season of new beginnings. If you’re looking to attract a symphony of birds and contribute to Ontario’s lush canopy, there’s no better time to plant a native tree or shrub.

8. Conclusion: Crafting a Feathered Sanctuary
By choosing the right trees and shrubs, you’re not just enhancing your garden’s aesthetics. You’re crafting a sanctuary for birds, supporting the local ecosystem, and indulging in the therapeutic joys of birdwatching. So, why wait? Dive into the world of arboriculture and let the birds serenade you!