If You Plant It, Birds Will Come by Lavon Silvernell

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Photo: Coral bean providing nectar to Ruby-throated Hummingbird

We’ve heard the saying, “feed them and they will come,” so many people hang a feeder to bring birds close. But, there is a better way to bring more birds to your yard. Plant it and they will come, native plants that is.

Native plants provide flowers for nectar, enjoyed by hummingbirds, orioles, and some others, provide bird food in the form of seeds and berries, and provide nesting sites and material.

But most importantly (and little understood by most people), native plants attract native caterpillars and other insects, which are protein rich food for birds, especially their hatchlings.

For our March 16th OAS program, Lavon Silvernell will share information about native plants, their habitat needs, and the birds and insects they attract. Lavon is a long-time member of the Florida Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and before retirement, served for 12 years as Naturalist at Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis.

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Join us March 16th for a fascinating program. 7pm. Leu Gardens. Free although donations at the door are always appreciated.