Scan through the before and after photos organized by State to see the bird-friendly habitat additions people made to their properties this year. Thank you for doing your part for the birds!
Stunning example of a transformation of a front yard in New York where dense, diverse, and layered plantings add critical layers and habitat for native pollinators and birds.
Alaska
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Alaska property that aspires to provide more habitat for birds.
Cranberry bushes were added to this property to provide more native habitat. No deer in Alaska, but the moose sampled the additions!
Arizona
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Arizona raised beds where new native plantings will fill-in between the cacti.
Sadly even native flowers planted between cacti did not survive the extreme heat of the summer despite best efforts. The cacti, however, are thriving! Planting in January or February before the rain may be the best bet in this extremely arid region. This homeowner, however, had a lot of activity at their bird bath–a great resource to provide in these harsh climates.
California
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California patch in the Sierra Nevada that is overrun with grass and non-natives and will be converted into native species.
California owner planted over 20 species of native shrubs and trees from local nurseries, along with scattering seeds and the wildlife is more numerous than ever!
Colorado
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Colorado, where the area along the fence will be planted with beautiful native shrubs and flowers.
A native Ninebark shrub, several native Geraniums (Cranesbill) and three bee balm plants in an area that was previously grass. This summer, House Wrens nested within a few feet of the newly planted area and often forage under the plants for insects.
Connecticut
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In Connecticut, this spot once dominated by pachysandra will be reclaimed for pollinators and birds while adding color an interest to this garden corner.
The native chokeberry was added for fall color and berries for the birds. This established well in the first year and is likely to bloom and produce next year.
Georgia
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In Georgia, native plants are being added below these bird feeders to see if it will increase the diversity of bird species. The property owner also wants to add plants that will be better suited for to the region.
Native habitat added under these feeders has provided more foraging options for local birds–and a stunning garden to boot!
Illinois
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Illinois spot under a tree where native plants will be added to better support birds and bees.
Mixed results this year with the addition of 10 coneflowers and 8 Joe pyeweed plants. The deer did not get the memo that coneflowers are deer resistant.
Illinois patch that is saying good-bye to the lawn in order to bring more caterpillars into the yard for baby birds.
Spring ephemerals and native shade-loving plants were added to this site, with more additions planned for next year. A nice surprise was that a Tufted Titmice pair spent all summer in yard, which was a new sighting.
Iowa
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Iowa. Owner is trying to get more butterfly, bee, and bird habitat to increase insect populations and seeds for birds.
Slightly different angle that captures the essence of all the habitat and resources being provided to support birds.
This spot in Iowa is adding more native plants to provide ecosystem services to the entire local food web. A nonnative plant used to be here and it is being replaced with a variety of native forbs.
The compass plant, meadow blazing star, prairie blazing star, butterfly milkweed and swamp milkweed were all added to this site. Despite some rodent pressure, the milkweeds supported monarchs in first year and owner is excited to see how things fill-in next year.
Kentucky
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Kentucky home battling areas of dense wintercreeper and honeysuckle which they are removing to create more native habitat.
Wintercreeper was removed and the work continues with honeysuckle. This property demonstrates the challenges of removing invasive species to provide plants that have more color, function, and resources for birds.
Maine
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Maine property that is promoting the health of all wildlife through native plantings.
A slightly different angle of the garden beds demonstrates an abundance of plannings revealing their fall color transformation.
Maine property. Several areas are marked with yellow tape to be converted over to native habitat for birds.
This Maine site converted lawn into seven native planting beds and a meadow. The local wildlife seem to be enjoying more perching and foraging areas.
Massachusetts
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Massachusetts owner is adding native plants to provide seeds and berries for resident winter birds.
New plantings established well this year. It will be fun to see how things come back next year!
Michigan
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Michigan homeowner removed knapweed and wants to add native plants for birds.
New garden beds provided for the birds but rabbits created plant pressures. Fencing helped keep them out.
Michigan property aiming to attract birds and other wildlife.
Beautiful native plant additions fill this new space.
Michigan front yard that will be transformed like their backyard to show neighbors native landscaping can be beautiful.
Zig-zag goldenrod, which was the only native already present in this space, bloomed this year. All the plants besides the ostrich ferns survived the summer and seem to be getting established.It will be exciting to see what happens next spring when the plants emerge from dormancy. Homeowners received compliments from the neighbors on how it looks.
Minnesota
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Minnesota patch that had a high potassium concentration in the soil. Soil was removed and replaced and ready for native plants.
This new patch had chickadee, nuthatch, and goldfinch visitors eating the seeds. Due to deer pressure the garden was fenced in the middle of the season.
Minnesota. Gardener is adding native plants in this part-sun area to support more butterflies and moths (which will feed birds.)
The garden struggled a little in its first year, but is bound to produce more rewards next year.
In Minnesota, this property is improving their yard for pollinators and birds.
Three blazing stars (Liatris punctata) were added in this sight. The bees were observed enjoying them.
A Minnesota property near downtown Minneapolis provides an oasis for birds and pollinators. Native perennials will be added to existing perennials to do more for local wildlife.
Sadly, the early wet period supported a bumper crop of slugs in this garden and many others. The new native plants struggled, but they’ll be stronger next year.
Minnesota spot that hopes to utilize plants to see more birds.
Great native additions that also fed local rabbits and bunnies. Plans are in place to improve fencing next year to leave more for the birds and less for the resident mammals.
Missouri
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A lovely Missouri garden that will receive an additional foxglove plant to provide more resources for pollinators and birds
With foxglove added and additional natives filling in the space, this area is doing more for birds, bees, and other pollinators.
Missouri site that is expanding their native offerings until the entire property is dominated by native plants.
Amazing transformation of this space to support more birds. Excellent reuse of brinks and stones. Species include: Blue sage, Cliff goldenrod, Tube beardtongue, Wild indigo, Columbine, Jacob’s Ladder, Purple prairie clover, Pale purple coneflower, Royal catchfly, Blazing star, Michigan lily Copper Iris, Blue lobelia, MO evening primrose, New England aster, Large leaved elephant’s foot, Blue-eyed grass, Barbara’s buttons and Shining blue star. There are dishes of water for our three-toed box turtles, birds and a sand dish with water for the various pollinators.
Missouri shade container garden that would like to add more native options.
In Missouri, the bees happily found the swamp milkweed and bee balm. Some plants outgrew their pots and had to be transplanted into the ground. Overall plants did better than expected.
New Hampshire
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New Hampshire property that will add natives to provide habitat for birds and pollinators.
A slightly different angle looking away from the house where two high bush blueberries were planted and a New Jersey tea. Both excellent shrubs sure to fill in this space and provide excellent habitat.
New York
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This spot in New York is an overgrown, weedy slope where native plants will be added to help with visual appeal, control runoff, and benefit the birds. A triple win!
What an exciting transformation–complete with a Bird Spot sign! As these perennials fill in, native habitat and stunning color will cover this slope.
New York site plans to add native shrubs to this site to continue to support more birds.
Black chokeberry shrubs added with Allegheny Service Berry tree. Due to deer pressure, a fence was installed to minimize browsing.
New York site where native plants will be added to support birds and pollinators.
Gorgeous garden added to the front lawn, complete with a snail statue! Appropriately symbolic as these habitat changes can take time, but the density and diversity of these plantings will make establishment move quickly.
New York. Converting raised beds for vegetables into native plant offerings for birds.
New plants are establishing in these inviting raised beds. The coreopsis has been very hardy and even after frost there are still some blossoms for last season pollinators.
New York yard that wants to be friendlier to birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Incredible yard additions to support birds! The American Goldfinch are enjoying the coneflowers, but other herbivores have been a challenge to keep from munching new plants.
New York property where homeowner would like their yard to support more birds.
New and old perennials to support birds are thriving. “Gardens teach patience and reward hope.”
New York. Adding plants to help birds and other wildlife.
A zoom in on where the new gray leaf goldenrod and anise hyssop sets were planted. Black-eyed Susan and penstemon in the foreground.
North Carolina
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North Carolina patch that is prepped and ready for a native meadow installation. The site will support a variety of pollinators and birds.
American Goldfinch, Song Sparrows, and Northern Cardinals enjoy the multitude of seeds produced in this garden. The deer browse redbud and dogwood trees, but there’s enough to share.
Ohio
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Ohio patch. Native plants will be added to help save the birds.
The addition of natives makes this site more robust for birds. A water dish (see the blue disk) is also available, providing a critical resource in dry areas or during droughts.
Ohio. Spot identified for adding more native plants.
Beautiful new natives were added in front of this fence line to increase habitat for birds and pollinators.
Ohio patio where homeowner enjoys photographing birds and wants to create more options to invite them to visit.
The addition of cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) attracted Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to this property! Despite not capturing an end of season garden photo, this homeowner was delighted with several mating pairs using their native habitat.
Ohio. Site picked to increase plants for birds and butterflies.
In addition to native plants, this site added water to help support bird populations.
Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania patch that is attracting deer and the owner wants to feed the birds while minimizing damage from herbivorous snacking.
New natives had more resistance to deer browsing while also benefiting the birds and butterflies–win-win.
Pennsylvania gardens where new native plants will be added.
New natives were added, in addition to the Bird Spot sign signaling that this garden is intentionally maintained for birds.
Pennsylvania. Adding habitat for pollinators (and birds.)
Pollinators and hummingbirds were spotted in this inviting garden. Next year is sure to provide more wildlife spectacles as plants mature.
Site in Pennsylvania where native plants will be added to help wildlife.
Despite losing some natives due to a product used to clean the deck, native pokeweed volunteered and found a happy spot in this garden.
Texas
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Homeowner regularly plants for birds and provides resources. New additions will be added to this space.
Birds and bees flocked to these gardens for food, water, and shelter.
Texas spot that the property owner wants to transform to help wildlife while enjoying their own beautiful landscape.
Native shrubbery added an essential layer for foraging and nesting birds.
This property in Texas is adding natives to help birds, bees, and butterflies, while also conserving water. The owner wants to make the yard easier to maintain while expanding the gardens with native plants.
New native plants were added to the front yard to attract more wildlife.
Vermont
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A Vermont property that is caring for the pollinators and the birds by providing food and resources in the yard.
One of the new arrow wood shrubs blossomed and produced berries that were foraged on–likely by birds.
Virginia
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Virginia. Property will be adding fruiting shrubs to expand their year-round menu for birds.
One of the new arrow wood shrubs blossomed and produced berries that were foraged on–likely by birds.
Virginia homeowner loves native plants and will be adding to this spot.
Looking directly at the corner where shrubs were added despite a Virginia drought-year, this shrub is showing signs of making itself a home.
Virginia lawn that will be transformed to support wildlife, especially pollinators.
Lawn out, native plant bed in! Plus a new nest box.
Washington
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Washington property that plans to add gardens on the side of the house that help to support birds and biodiversity.
Beautiful, artistic, garden bed added that blends with the aesthetics of the region while providing a variety of plants to support local wildlife.
Wisconsin
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Wisconsin site where the grass in this hard to reach spot is being replaced with natives
Incredible transformation from a hard to mow spot into colorful habitat for birds and biodiversity.
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