Spring is planting time in Vermont. Why not add something to attract some interesting birds?
Viburnum
There are many varieties of viburnum shrubs and most are hardy throughout Vermont. They are typically available at Vermont nurseries as well as from mail order sources. Vibemum varieties vary in height, shape, flower color, time of bloom, and seed production. They all are popular with many songbirds because the woody shrubs provide cover and nesting sites and several varieties provide fruit popular for winter forage. If you can find a place to plant one, or better yet two or three, shrubs where you can view them from inside the house, you will expand your opportunities to enjoy watching your visitors.
Some recommended varieties include:
Viburnum acerifolium (Maple leaf vibumum) - Hardy in Zone 4, 3-6'tall, tolerant of sun or shade and many soil types. At least 10 species are known to eat the fruit.
Viburnum prunifoliu (Blackhaw) - Hardy in Zone 3, 8-15'tall, sun or shade tolerant. At least 8 species are known to eat the fruit.
Amelanchier (Serviceberry)
These small trees come in several varieties hardy in Vermont. The early Spring flowers develop into berries by Fall and provide a favorite feast for cedar waxwings, robins and other berry eating species. Serviceberry trees remain 20 feet or under in height and their leaves are small enough not be a signifigant litter nuisance in your Fall lawn clean-up. Their beautiful early Spring flowers will give your yard and your soul a boost after a long Vermont winter.
A recommended variety is: Amelanchier laevis. This 20-25' tree is hardy in Zone 4, thrives in moist soils in sun or partial sun and its berries are favored by 30 or more species.
If you want to learn more about planting to attract birds, other Audubon members have recommended Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Attracting Birds by Richard DeGraf.
