Landscaping for Birds

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Kim Chapman, ecologist with Applied Ecological Services Inc. in Minneapolis, conducted a study in 1999-2000 exploring the effect of development on birds. He concluded that what depresses bird diversity is lack of variety in habitat types (such as grassland, savanna and forest) and habitat structure (the various heights of grass, trees and shrubs).

“Homeowners should look at their lot in the context of the neighborhood and install plantings that are consistent with what is around their lot,” Kim says. “If they have woods next door, then a planting of tall native shrubs as a border would be appropriate. If they are next to a wetland, they should plant prairie wildflowers and grasses. Large lot owners can serve the birds best by not clearing all the natural vegetation, by planting and mowing the smallest possible area of bluegrass sod, by not planting invasive non-native shrubs, flowers and grasses, and by keeping their cats and dogs inside or on leashes.”

Daniel points to a use of herbicides and pesticides that makes yards toxic to birds, and he also cautions owners not to allow their cats free rein outside to prey on birds. A recent Australian study discussed in the July 2007 issue of Biological Conservation reported that the use of a commercial collar-worn product called the CatBib reduced bird predation by domestic cats dramatically. These bibs stopped 81 percent of the cats from catching birds.

Water for the wetlands

When Linda and David Prostko built their home on 30 acres south of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Linda wanted to keep the property as natural as possible.
“I have a love of nature and wildlife, and I wanted to preserve this little piece of land for our children, too,” Linda says. “I see that the open spaces are getting gobbled up. It’s development after development and strip mall after strip mall. I wanted to do something good for the environment. I’ve tried to be a good role model and set a good example.”

She contacted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Barry County Soil and Water Conservation District and asked them the best way to go about landscaping for wildlife. 

“We learned that a farmer had drained the land to farm it some 50 years ago,” Linda says, “so we worked with the DNR to re-establish the wetland.”

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