FREEPORT (WGME)— Humans are not the only ones who benefit from gardening. Many Maine bird species can also benefit from the plants we grow in our backyard.
Derek Lovitch, the owner of Freeport Wild Bird supply, is an expert on Maine birds, and has written 2 books on birding in Maine. He says that having the right plants in your garden is essential if you want to attract birds to your backyard. This is especially true when it comes to hummingbirds.
“We’ll never see a lot of hummingbirds on a hummingbird feeder if our garden doesn’t have plants for them,” says Lovitch. Hummingbird season in Maine runs from May until October, so in full swing now in the month of June.
“Azalea and rhododendron, those are great for hummingbirds and are blooming now, some meadow flowers, some of the native honeysuckles are blooming now, those are wonderful for the birds,” Lovitch says.
Humans are not the only ones who benefit from gardening. Many Maine bird species can also benefit from the plants we grow in our backyard. (WGME)
The characteristics of these flowers make them magnets for the tiny, fast-flying birds. Bright colors, a tubular shape, and a high nectar content are perfect for the hummingbirds’ need for large amounts of sugar each day, as well as their long bills and tongues.
Planting the right flowers can attract many other Maine bird species to your yard. “Perennials that you put in your garden, that’s a free buffet in the mid to late summer and into the fall. Wildflowers like bee balm, wild bergamot that are native produce a ton of seeds that are good for goldfinches and migratory sparrows.” Says Lovitch.
At the end of the day, native plant species will benefit Maine’s native birds the most. “ A general rule of gardening for wildlife is that native is always better. If it’s a native plant it’s built to be fed on by our native birds, one way or another.” Lovitch says.
Humans are not the only ones who benefit from gardening. Many Maine bird species can also benefit from the plants we grow in our backyard. (WGME)
Attracting birds to your garden is about a whole lot more than hanging up a bird feeder. The plants that you grow are what will attract the birds to your garden in the first place.
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