Birds

The Mid-Atlantic region is located within the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major flyways in North America. This major north-south route is used by millions of migratory birds annually. It is no wonder that over 400 species of birds have been documented in the Mid-Atlantic region, about half of which have nested there. However, birds are in trouble. Since 1970, the United States and Canada have lost nearly 3 million birds. Common birds, many of which frequent our bird feeders, have suffered the greatest losses. Common birds account for 90% of the losses, or 2.5 million birds. What can you do to help? Plant native shrubs and vines! Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) produce high-fat berries that provide migrating and over-wintering birds with nourishment. Native caterpillar host plants are also critical, as 90% of our seed-eating song birds feed caterpillars to their young. If your plants have some damage from caterpillars and other insects, then you are doing something right!