10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

13 Nov 2008 01:33 PM

Now that fall is here, we have been enjoying the cardinals for whom the pine tree outside of our dining room window appears to be particularly comforting. These bright red birds with the black masks are always a treat to enjoy, especially when they show off their colors against the green pine needles or the white winter snow that is sure to fall sometime in the next month or so.

If you want to attract cardinals and other birds that may be visiting in the fall, consider providing them with a birdie buffet of all of their favorite plants. These plants will draw them all in, so you can enjoy their visits year after year. For the most birds, you'll want to aim for a variety of plantings to give them a proverbial smorgasbord of tasty treats. And word does get out. The more food you have available to the birds, the more that will come.

1. Pine Trees

I spoke earlier about the cardinals coming to stay in our pine trees. Fall birds love pine trees because they present so much to them. There are many treats to eat in a pine tree, from the seed-filled cones to the many insects that live in the trunks. The pine trees also offer a nice place to rest and be somewhat protected from the wind and other elements. Birds that really like pine trees include juncos, pine warblers, mourning doves (I often see six or seven of them lined up on a branch), chickadees, nuthatches, pine grosbeaks and more.

2. Crab Apple Trees

Our neighbor across the road has crab apple trees, and he says from experience that the fruit has gotten a bad reputation. Picked early in the summer, the fruit is sweet and tart at the same time, and he has really enjoyed it. So, too, have the local deer. But crab apple trees also offer a great feast for birds. The mature red, orange and red crab apple fruit lures many birds. The branches of the tree provide a nice resting perch, too. You'll find the following birds attracted to crab apple trees: Blue Jays (and other Jays), finches, robins, orioles, sparrows, woodpeckers, waxwings, sapsuckers and more. For the best chance at attracting birds, look for trees with small fruit that stays around in winter.

Check back again for more fall plants that attract birds.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Creating A Bird Book

Identifying Backyard Birds: Cardinals

Identifying Backyard Birds: Mourning Doves

The National Great Backyard Bird Count

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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