Audubon’s 2019 report, Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink sends a clear message about the serious dangers birds face in a warming world. Protecting them will require redoubling conservation efforts to safeguard critical habitat.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

You can help restore bird habitat by planting native plants in your landscape.  To survive, native birds need native plants and the insects that have co-evolved with them. Bird-friendly landscaping provides food, saves water and fights climate change. Your garden is your outdoor sanctuary. With some careful choices, it can be a haven for birds as well. Landscaped with native species, your yard, patio, or balcony becomes a vital recharge station for birds passing through, and a sanctuary for nesting and overwinter birds. Here are some resources to help you create a haven for both local and migratory birds.

View the following pdf files for native, bird-friendly plants that thrive in Whatcom and Skagit counties. You will find pictures and descriptions of the plants, as well as the birds they attract.

Native Trees and Birds They Attract
Native Shrubs and Birds They Attract
Native Ground Covers and Perennials and Birds They Attract

Review our Native Plants for Birds presentation.

Visit the Audubon Plants for Birds database and access the interactive tool that uses your zip code to generate the best native plants for birds in your area. You will also find local nurseries and links to more information. 

The City of Bellingham has great information on planning a wildlife friendly landscape, as well as specific information on attracting birds.

Explore these websites for additional information to help you create a bird-friendly landscape:

Bird Habitats (American Bird Conservancy)
Create Your Own Native Plant Landscape (King County Native Plant Guide)
Creating a Garden Paradise for Birds - and Humans (BirdNote)
Flowers and Plants to Attract Birds and Other Wildlife (Avas Flowers)
Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds (Kremp Florist)
Habitat Education Activities & Resources (WA Native Plant Society)
Living with Wildlife (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)Native Plant Habitats (National Wildlife Federation)
Sustainable Landscaping (WSU Cooperative Extension, Whatcom County)

Here are some local nurseries where you can purchase native plants:

Cloud Mountain Farm Center
Fourth Corner Nursery
Garden Spot Nursery
Gardens at Padden Creek
Kent's Garden and Nursery
My Garden Nursery
Plantas Nativa, LLC
Whatcom Conservation District

You are what hope looks like to a bird. 

View Audubon’s
Climate Action Handbook
for more steps you can take to help birds survive.