Birds are a common sight in many home gardens, offering both enjoyment and ecological benefits. According to local gardener Diane Lynch, Bewick’s Wrens often nest in trellises and birdhouses around her property. The young birds can be seen gathering on her deck as they learn to fly. These wrens help control insect populations by feeding on bugs found in native plants like the toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), which produces red berries.
Lynch describes how other species also use her garden for food and shelter. A Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) on her property has provided nesting sites for Hooded Orioles, though predation by crows once forced the orioles to relocate. Crows and scrub jays, both members of the corvid family, are frequent visitors. Scrub jays play a role in spreading oak trees by burying acorns that sometimes sprout into new seedlings.
Mockingbirds are not present in Lynch’s immediate garden but reside nearby, using dense plantings of cotoneaster, pyracantha, ivy, and echium for nesting. These birds are known for their early morning songs.
Flocks of Cedar Waxwings arrive during the fall to feed on berries from various trees and shrubs. While they used to roost in large numbers in neighborhood elm trees, their presence is now mostly noted as they pass through the area. Madrone trees (Arbutus menziesii) can attract these birds if available.
Quail populations have declined locally but may be attracted back with brush piles that provide cover from predators and sources of food.
Hummingbirds visit gardens with tubular red flowers such as fuchsias or California fuchsia (Epilobium canum). Other favored plants include manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.), black sage (Salvia mellifera), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus & cardinalis), and hummingbird sage (S. spathacea). Anna’s Hummingbird is present year-round; Allen’s Hummingbird is seen in summer; Rufous Hummingbird migrates through the region seasonally.
Townsend’s Warbler appears some winters in bottlebrush trees outside Lynch’s sunroom, while flocks of robins and Varied Thrushes gather near local streams during certain years. Great Horned Owls can be heard at night hunting rodents alongside other raptors.
Lynch encourages gardeners to plant berry-producing natives such as toyon to attract more birds: “Consider planting some berry-producing plants, especially natives such as toyon, one of the best habitat plants to attract birds to your garden. Cultivars are available with red or yellow berries.”
She notes that observing these varied bird species adds interest and enjoyment when spending time outdoors.
