Do you recall the time when gardens were unkempt and wild? Even before the time of grandmas and grandpas when people knew which plants so-called "weeds" were helpful, Today's bird watchers are exploring allies of the gardens, showing that unkempt wild and free and unkempt bird sanctuaries are the most successful.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check PriceThe Purple Powerhouse That Your Grandma Called 'Wild Violets'
The cute little purple flowers that may be emerging in your lawn are more than just pretty – they are bird attractants! Wild violets host particular caterpillars that become protein-rich snacks for nestling birds. Plus, the violets' seeds attract mourning doves and juncos, where the heart-shaped leaves provide excellent cover for the shy ground-feeding birds.
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Löwenzahnen sind ein 5-Sterne-Restaurant für Vögel
Prior to declaring war on the sunny warriors, goldfinches used to come to our yards for their fluffy seed heads. The whole plant is a buffet for birds. Hummingbirds are fed by the early spring flowers, finches are attracted to the summer seeds, and the deep tap roots serve to bring up and benefit all the other wildlife.
Queen Anne's Lace: The Palace of Butterflies and Birds
Those little white umbrellas are more than cute! They are designed by nature to attract birds. Their stems are used by birds as lookout perches. The little umbrellas attract insects that become bird snacks. In winter decayed stems are natural bird condos providing storm protection.
That 'PESKY' Trespassing Clover Your Neighbors Keep Fighting
While your neighbors engage in chemical warfare against clover, you are quietly providing a restaurant for birds. That little white flower will attract insect pollinators, which are great protein snacks for chickadees and wrens. In the fall, finches become attracted to the dried seed heads and your “weedy” lawn will become their favorite dining location.
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The Towering Thistle That Goldfinches Can't Resist
While the spiky flowers may appear threatening to people, goldfinches see them as a delicious food source. Bright yellow goldfinches can be seen hanging acrobatically from the purple flowers to eat the seeds. In the spring, the downy fluff provided by the flowers become excellent materials for nest building.
Cardinals Go Crazy For The 'Messy' Pokeweed Berries
The tall purple stems with dark berries may stain your fingers, but they are a gourmet treat for cardinals, mockingbirds, and catbirds. They become \\\"natural bird feeders\\\" each autumn when they provide important fuel for migrating birds.
The Plantain Weed That is Actually a Bird Salad Bar
Do you remember the big-leafed plant Grandma used to use for "drawing out splinters"? The spiky seed heads are great food for birds, particularly sparrows and finches. The low-growing leaves provide shelter for ground-feeding birds and turn your lawn into a lovely dining room.
Nature’s Bird Feeder: Common Lamb’s Quarters
The coating this “weed” has silvery leaves and produces countless tiny seeds that birds love. You can see sparrows and juncos flying amazing acrobatics to grab the seeds. Also, this plant entices insects, which are a great protein snack for parent birds that are feeding young chicks.
Chickadees Keep Coming Back For The Chickweed
It is called chickweed for a reason! These small plants with tiny white flowers attract all kinds of birds. Their seeds are especially favored by chickadees (of course), finches and towhees. Also, the dense growth provides ideal shelter for more reclusive birds.
Your Grandfather’s Favorite ‘Weed’: Purslane
This sprawling ground cover may be a nuisance to immaculate lawns, but it is a boon to birds. The small black seeds that form on this ground cover are caviar to small songbirds, and the sprawling nature of the plant makes perfect hiding spots for ground-feeding birds. The thick, fleshy leaves also moisture to the soil and create ideal conditions for earthworm-hunting robins.
Evening Primrose: Bird Magnet for the Night Shift
The tall plants with yellow flowers that open in the evening, are more than just pretty garden features. They provide food for your garden birds all year round. The flowers produce seeds which the birds feed on during winter. During winter, bird feeders become empty and other food sources are not available. Your bird feeders may also catch finches and sparrows eating from these natural feeders.
The Dock Weed Finches Buffet
The seed heads that show through winter? They are actually bird feeders! Birdwatching from your window, you may see finches and sparrows hanging off the stems to eat the seeds. The deep roots also help the soil and sustain the insects that the birds need to feed their babies.
