If you are a homeowner in the Indianapolis area there is nothing better than watching the birds visit your feeders in the morning. Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights colder, birds are getting ready for their annual migration to warmer climates down south. These migrating birds are going to be hungry and thirsty and searching for a rest-stop on their long journey. At Picasso Lawn, we have compiled a list to help you attract these feathered friends to your backyard feeders.
Birds Like Lots and Lots of Seeds
In the fall, most plants go dormant and all the seeds and berries that birds used to rely on disappear. As food becomes more and more scarce it forces the birds to start heading south in search of food. If you have a bird feeder overflowing with delicious seeds then there is no bird that can resist stopping in. For best results make sure to have a mixture of a variety of seeds to attract a wide variety of bird species.
They Need Something To Wash It Down With
Migrating south from the Indianapolis area takes a lot of work and birds will be thirsty when they come to visit. They will also need a place to take a bath and cool off. That’s why we recommend installing a simple birdbath in your yard. Make sure you change the water regularly or use an agitator to keep the water flowing to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Don’t Forget Nector Lovers
Fall means that all the lovely and beautiful flowers you planted are withering up and dying. Hummingbirds are one of the most interesting birds to visit your feeders. Just the sight of one makes you stand still and takes your breath away. Since hummingbirds rely on nectar you can help them out by making your own. You can buy hummingbird food at the store or you can make it yourself in large batches.
Provide Shelter
We usually put up birdhouses in the spring to encourage birds to nest in our yards and raise a new batch of chicks. In the fall we take them down and clean them out, but don’t forget about the birds that don’t migrate. These birds need a warm place that is protected from the elements. Birdhouses can make a great place for birds to roost in the winter. There are even specially designed birdhouses that are just for roosting.
Landscape With Native Plants
Like we mentioned above, not all birds fly south for the winter. There are many birds like the chickadee, bluejay, and titmouse that do not migrate and will greatly appreciate your help getting through the winter. Native plants not only provide shelter from the cold wind but some even provide food well into winter and attract birds to your yard. Here are a few you can plant today.
Sargent Crabapple
The Sargent crabapple can grow to a height of 6–10 feet and a spread of 6–12 feet at maturity. In the winter, after all the leaves have fallen away, it leaves behind red. These fruits can attract a wide range of songbirds, rabbits, deer, and foxes.
Snowdrift Crabapple
Leaves turn a golden yellow in the fall before falling off. What remains is red-orange fruit that remains throughout the winter adding color and interest to your landscapes you would never see in the winter. The fruits are enjoyed by birds who will gladly hang around your yard and keep coming back.
American Holly
Holly is more than just a holiday decoration. Holly grows naturally as a short tree that can reach 40-50 feet tall. Winterberries will stick around providing interest and color all season long. The berries are known to attract songbirds, grouse, wild turkeys, and quail.
For Art-Quality Landscapes Call The Pros At Picasso Lawn and Landscape
Birds can add a lot of beauty to your yard in the fall. For the best fall lawn care in the Indianapolis area call the land artists at Piccaso Lawn and Landscape. We offer a wide variety of lawn care services specifically designed to meet the needs of your yard. Our fall services include aeration & overseeding, power washing, tree trimming & removal, and gutter cleaning. Call us today at 317-253-5296 or leave us a message on our site. Check out our monthly blog for more helpful lawn care tips.