The squirrel population in our neighborhood exploded this spring, and it wasn’t long before they were all in our yard checking out the bird feeders. Not all of our feeders are squirrel proof, so they were getting their share of seeds. Squirrels can be pretty entertaining, like the one who hung from a branch by his back feet, so that his head was at the seed tray of the feeder, and shoveled seeds into his mouth with both paws, then pulled himself up and sat there eating them. We have feeders placed at various locations around the house so that you can look out almost any window and see one, but this gave the squirrels too many targets. So we took down all of the feeders except those that are placed in the trees and on poles around the deck. Before long, that part of the yard was thick with birds, in the trees and on all of the feeders.

Now we see more birds, and a greater variety of birds, than we did before, up close and in quantity. More families are evident as parents bring their newly fledged young to the feeders. We even had to add a few feeders to keep up with the demand.

The birdbath is getting plenty of action too, since the lack of rain leaves the birds few natural sources of water. If you have a birdbath in the yard, it is important to clean it and replace the water every day or two. Mosquitoes are always a problem, and now, with West Nile Virus becoming more of a concern, it is important to remove any standing water that mosquitoes need to reproduce.

One of the most important factors in attracting birds to the yard is providing an environment that will appeal to them. Trees and shrubs provide a place for birds to perch, rest, and observe the world around them. Some are a source of food, and others just a place to hide. Large hardwood trees make a secure place to build a nest in the spring, and evergreens make a safe place to sleep in the winter. All trees attract birds as a source of cover, but some, such as dogwood, holly, serviceberry, cedar, and cherry trees, to name a few, provide food at various times of the year. Shrubs also provide a source of cover, and many also offer edible berries. Chokeberry, barberry, viburnum, holly, photinia and nandina are just a few good choices.

Now is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs. The root system will have all winter to get established, and in the spring it will be better able to begin new growth. Some fast growing trees are red maple, sycamore, and yellow poplar, and let’s not forget the Bradford pear. There are many others to choose from.