Twice a year, many beautiful birds make a difficult, long journey between their nesting grounds in the north and their wintering grounds in Mexico, and Central and South America. Some of these birds’ populations have declined steeply in recent years, and they need our help.  They fly over empty farm fields and expanses of concrete and asphalt to the green spaces of Chicago’s yards, parks, preserves, and campuses. These can offer life-saving food and shelter.  Over 100 different kinds of migratory birds will search any bit of landscaping - large or small - urban, rural or suburban – for food and shelter.

 You can make your garden a healthy, safe stopover point for these birds.

There are two main principles to keep in mind.

 The first requirement of landscaping for migratory birds is structural diversity – include three or four levels of plantings.  Sites with a few tall trees and shorter trees, a dense shrubby area or two and sections of grasses and flowers will provide food and shelter for many different birds.

The second is selecting a wide variety of plants that provide different kinds of food at different times in the migration season. 

 See plant suggestions and references