Help declining bird populations with native plants, reducing pesticide use
By My Courier-Tribune
Nearly 400 species of birds that call Missouri home are declining at a rapid pace, reports the Missouri Department of Conservation. Researchers report 2.9 billion birds, or 29%, of the total population of birds in North America has been lost due to a variety of factors since 1970.
There are several steps people can take, according to the conservation department, to help birds: plant native plants, reduce pesticide usage, keep cats indoors and prevent window strikes.
“Window collisions are estimated to cause 600 million bird deaths annually in the United States, and almost half of these are residential windows,” reports the conservation department.
There are several plants that grow well in Missouri that are also recommended for attracting birds and bees.
Buttonbush is a Missouri-native species of water-loving shrub that grows in moist areas, but it tolerates a variety of soil types. It provides erosion control, nesting habitat for birds and a food source for numerous pollinators. “Buttonbush is an irresistible plant for butterflies and hummingbirds, who drink the nectar from its round, globe-like clusters of tiny white flowers resembling a spiky snowball,” reads a conservation department release. “These flowers bloom from June to September, providing a late-summer food source for a variety of pollinators. Even when the delightful flowers transition to seeds, the seed heads provide an interesting look for the landscape in winter and are gobbled up by birds like wood ducks.”
Purple coneflower is a “perennial” favorite among gardeners that blooms June through August. The flower attracts butterflies and pollinators, and birds flock to seedheads.
Lanceleaf coreopsis is a short and sunny species that blooms in May and June. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Aromatic aster blooms October and November. It also attracts butterflies, pollinators and bees.
Sideoats grama is a compact plant with prairie personality that blooms July through September. Plus, it draws in birds and butterflies.
Bee balm blooms in May and June while attracting hummingbirds, pollinators and bees.
Eastern blazing star blooms in September and October. The flower attracts bees, hummingbirds, monarch magnets, and birds eat the seeds.
Foxglove beardtongue bloom in May and June. They attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
