Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd.

Plant Trees and Shrubs to Attract Birds

Watching the birds frolic in our yards is a welcoming sight. It is possible to entice them to stay awhile by offering shelter and food. Robins can be seen in greater numbers in early spring and throughout summer. Cedar waxwings and goldfinches arrive mid-summer. Chickadees and nuthatches require food throughout the year. Here are some plants that are on our feathered friends' favorite menu.

Trees

Mayday – Prunus padus commutata 9-12m tall and wide.
Called "The bird cherry tree" for a reason. In most yards, this is the robin's favorite perch for the tasty black berries in summer.

Shubert Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana 'Shubert' 8m tall and 4m wide. Birds flock to the deep purple cherries in summer.

Mountain Ash – Sorbus sp. Height ranging from 6-8m and width from 4-5m. Cedar waxwings enjoy these red to orange berries. Good food for the winter birds.

Crabapple – Malus sp. Height averaging 5 to 7m and spread 4 to 7m. With fruit ranging from red to purple, the crabapple tree is a great selection for winter birds.

Shrubs

American Highbush Cranberry – Viburnum trilobum Height 3m and spread 2.5m. Red berries feed the birds summer to fall.

Nannyberry – Viburnum lentago Height 4m and spread 2.5m. Black fruit when ripe in late summer.

Wayfaring Tree – Viburnum lantana Height 3m and spread 2m. Mature fruit in late summer is black.

Dogwood – Cornus sp. Height from .75m to 2m and spread .75 m to 2m. Fruit colour ranges from white to dark bluish-black.

Nanking Cherry – Prunus tomentosa Height and spread 2m. The birds find these red berries especially delicious.

Cherry Prinsepia – Prinsepia sinensis Height and spread 2m. Mature reddish – purple berries feed the birds in late summer.

In winter, provide birdfeeders and suet for the winter birds and be consistent with the feeding schedule. Birds use up more energy when it's very cold, making regular food sources vital to survival.

Jennifer Seafoot
Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd.