10 Fall Plants that Attract the Birds: Part 2

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

16 Nov 2008 04:29 PM

In my household, the kids are just as excited to watch the birds outside of our dining room window as they are to watch television. I kid you not. Fall is when they put on the very best show. We have a large bird feeder, as well as some plants that tend to attract a colorful array of birdie personalities.

In this series, I'll be sharing some of the best plants (and trees) that attract birds in the fall. If you missed the first post, just click here.

3. Elderberry

When I first spotted the elderberry on our property, I had no idea what it was. It just seemed like some sort of green leafy bush. But when the fall came, the plant started popping out with bright red berries that provided plenty of attraction for fruit-eating birds. While my plants produce red berries, other varieties produce blue or black berries, which all provide feasts for the feathered friends. Not only does the elderberry provide a meal, but its dense structure offers a nesting and resting habitat. You'll find that the elderberry attracts bluebirds, grosbeaks and tanagers.

4. American Cranberry Viburnum

While we don't currently have the American Cranberry Viburnum, it is a plant to consider. The bright red berries hang in clusters that persist for a good part of the winter, putting on a festive show. While these are not "real" cranberries, the fruit does resemble them, and hence the name. The foliage is wonderful for many different types of birds, especially birds that need to seek shelter or nest. Since I haven't observed this plant myself, I can't tell you exactly which birds will flock to it, but I have been told that the fruit is loved by many different species.

Check back again as we continue the countdown of 10 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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