From a bird’s perspective, 2021 has been a pretty good year so far. There was enough rain for plants to thrive and provide ample sources of food for the plethora of avian species residing or visiting locally.
The lush bounty of greenery produced seeds and fruit for the birds which require those commodities in their diets. The insect and small animal populations attractive to birds were plentiful, too.
Even the coastal and aquatic birds benefited from the productive growing season. But as December begins, the days are getting noticeably shorter and the menu options are starting to dwindle from the native sources.
Bird fancying homeowners who want to retain the resident birds can provide a micro-environment of avian dining options to help these feathered friends overwinter in the panhandle.
An inviting home landscape can keep birds in the area during the lean winter months.
Of course, there is always the birdfeeder route with the variety of branded and generic birdseed products. The mess under the feeders and constant need to refill may make another system more sustainable.
The establishment in the landscape of native plant species which produce food can be a better approach. These plants produce fruit and seeds, but they may also attract insects which are menu options during the warmer months.
Landscaping with plants native to Florida provides more consistent food and shelter for native wildlife, especially birds, than do non-native plant selections.
A secondary benefit to the homeowner is these plants require less care and resources to establish and maintain.
Native plant species have evolved and adapted to local conditions over thousands of years. They are usually much more tolerant to climatic conditions at a given location.
As with all plants, newly added native plants must be watered until they are established.
Once rooted-in, Florida’s native plants tend to require less water because most are adapted to local moisture conditions.
Native plants are better adapted to natural soil conditions and generally do not require fertilizing. They are also more resistant to localized pests and diseases, thereby minimizing the need for pesticides.
Some grow more slowly, generating much less yard waste. This is an important feature for both the homeowner and the waste-removal system.
Even native plants have specific environmental conditions for optimal growth. This may include the amount of sun exposure, wet or dry soil conditions, soil acidity and density, and salt tolerance.
All of these conditions vary in north Florida and should be a major consideration during the plant selection and installation process.
It is best to evaluate the setting before purchasing the appropriate plants for the conditions in your yard.
Attempting to retrofit a site to meet the radically different needs of a plant or tree can be time consuming and expensive, and usually fails.
The next consideration for a local bird-friendly yard is water. Water is an essential part of all productive wildlife habitats.
Birds and other wildlife will benefit from any water source, such as a birdbath or a small pond. Additionally, ponds attract a variety of amphibians and reptile species which serve as part of the natural food chain.
They may be birdbrains, but they are smart enough to recognize good lodgings in winter. Do not be surprised if they tell their friends.
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