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Backyard Birding Bonanza: Seasonal Plants to Attract Feathered Friends
1 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Berries from shrubs like Winterberry and Dogwood provide essential nutrition for migrating birds
- Native wildflowers with prominent seed heads, like Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans, support seed-eating birds
- Leaving perennials standing through winter provides shelter and nesting material for overwintering birds

As the summer of 2025 fades and fall settles in, birds across North America are preparing for the colder months ahead. Homeowners can play a vital role in supporting these feathered visitors by planting the right seasonal plants and flowers in their yards.
According to landscape designers and horticulture experts, certain shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses are particularly effective in attracting and nourishing migrating and overwintering birds. Shrubs that produce berries, such as Winterberry and Dogwood, offer essential high-fat, energy-rich foods during migration season. Native wildflowers with prominent seed heads, like Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans, also provide sustenance for seed-eating birds well into winter.
Beyond food sources, leaving perennial plants standing through the colder months can provide valuable shelter and nesting material for overwintering birds and pollinators. By incorporating these bird-friendly elements into their landscapes, homeowners can enjoy a vibrant, wildlife-friendly yard while supporting the local avian population.