Fruit Bearing Plants for Autumn Birdlife

Providing Fruit Sources for Autumn Migration 

Black Cherry are a treat for birds in June and July.

The hot and humid days of Midsummer are still upon. Insect and other prey items are nearing peak populations while many of our breeding species are finished nesting or are on their second or third broods. With Autumn Migration just a few weeks away, and winter approaching, now is a good time to start thinking about autumn and winter food sources for your garden. In the Carolinas, fruit bearing trees, shrubs and vines are an important source of protein for long distance migrants, while many resident and winter species switch to fruits or seeds as insect populations decline. With our diversity of native and cultivated flora, there are fruits and berries available all year long. In this article, I will highlight some of the best bird-attracting fruits for autumn and winter. Most of these plants will bear fruits between September and February, attracting birds and other wildlife, as well as adding color to the garden or hedge. 

Fruits and Birds 

Cedar Waxwings are mostly frugivorous birds

Fruits are among the most popular secondary food sources for garden and woodland birds and many species that are insectivorous during the summer months will supplement their diets with fruits during the cool season. In addition to providing an alternative food source, fruits and berries can provide hydration for birds and mammals.  The seeds of some berries are left behind in waste or through regurgitation to germinate into new plants. The most valuable berry sources for birds are species that produce fruits with high protein. The protein source helps migratory species replenish their fat and energy, and is important for wintering species to stay warm during cold nights. Fruits with less protein are often not eaten until later in the season, while other species are ignored by birds altogether. In our region the most popular fruit bearing plants include trees such as dogwood, magnolia, and hackberry, shrubs like viburnum, holly, or spicebush, and vines such as Virginia Creeper, Fox Grape, and yes Poison Ivy. Fruits and berries attract a wide range of songbirds but are most attractive to thrushes, mockingbirds, catbirds, certain woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, waxwings, starlings, and vireos.

Highlighted Species  

Today I will go over a handful fruit bearing trees, shrubs and vines that are particularly popular with garden birds as well as some you should avoid. Most of the plants in this section have fruits that ripen from September to January and cater to autumn migrants and winter residents. There are also fruits that attract birds during the summer although at this point most of these plants are finished. While it may be a bit late to plant in time for this season, late autumn and winter are generally good times to install new plantings in the garden. 

Featured Plants  

1. Pokeweed 
2. Grape
3. Virginia Creeper
4. Beautyberry Bush
5. Viburnums 
6. Spicebush
7. Hollies 
8. Carolina Cherry Laurel 
9. Magnolia 
10. Hackberry 

Plants to Avoid 

1. Privet 
2. European Buckthorn
3. Chinese Tallow Tree/Popcorn Tree
4. Nandina or Sacred Bamboo 
5. Multiflora Rose 

Pokeweed or Pokeberry  

Phytolacca americana 

Common Pokeweed in our garden, Curtis Downey

Pokeweed or Pokeberry is a perennial herbaceous or short-lived shrub that is common across North America as an early successional species. This plant grows up to 3m (10ft) tall and often grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides, construction sites, railway corridors and is often regarded as a weed in home gardens. The plant flowers between late spring and midsummer and bears fruits that ripen in late August or September. Pokeweed is considered toxic so keep plantings away from areas where children or dogs play, or if you have free-range livestock. Pokeberry is the easiest fruit-bearing plant to get for your garden as it is often already present and is often spread by the birds that eat it. Plant or allow pokeberries to grow along hedges, fencerows or within a bird habitat garden. You can also transplant one or two of these plants in your garden as it has attractive leaves and flowers, but be ready to pull up any volunteer seedlings. Pokeberry dies down completely in the winter and the hollow stalks of last year's growth shelter for insects which provide food Downy Woodpeckers, or nuthatches, and can make a makeshift perch. Cut stalks to the ground in winter as new begins from the roots. 

Attracts mockingbirds, catbirds, thrushes, and cardinals. 

Muscatine and Summer Grape 

Vitus aestivalis and Vitus rotundifloia

Grapevine from our garden. Curtis Downey.

The Carolinas have multiple species of grapes native to our area while some cultivars of cultivated grapes may also be planted in gardens and vineyards. The two most common species of grape in the Cape Fear Region are Muscatine or Fox Grape, and Summer Grape. Both grapes are hard-skinned varieties that can grow into thickets, climb trees, or become a groundcover on slopes. Muscatine Grape is commonly sold in garden centers although chances are, there are already vines in a woodland or hedge nearby. Wild grapes are mostly seen in disturbed areas such as roadsides, woodland clearings, along rivers, and fencerows, while many older homes have grape arbors. Both species flower in early summer and produce fruits from August  to September. Besides being a good snack for us, Wild Grapes attract a wide array of birds and animals, and provide nest sites for species such as towhees, Field Sparrows, catbirds, and Carolina Wrens. Plant Fox or Summer Grapes on hardened trellises or arbors, fences, or allow them to grow in a woodland border. You can train them to grow up walls although be mindful that these vines grow fast and the tendrils may damage masonry or wood. If you want more fruits, cut back vines in winter or early spring, although it is a good idea to allow some vines to grow naturally if you have a large enough space in your garden. 

Attracts many species of birds including orioles, thrashers, thrushes, Carolina Wrens, cardinals, and starlings, as well as birds that eat insects.

Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia Creeper Fruits Wikimedia Foundation 

Virginia Creeper is a ubiquitous vine in our area that is related to grape and is sometimes mistaken for Poison Ivy. This vine grows in the same types of habitat as the grapes and has benefited from human disturbance and is the native version of the English Ivy. This plant is commonly found in gardens and woodlands and can take over if left unchecked. There is no need to buy Virginia Creeper or its relative Peppervine as it probably already in your garden and like Pokeweed, it will be brought in by birds sooner or later. Encourage or transplant vines along hedgerows, arbors/trellises, or use it as a groundcover for slopes and riverbanks. Virginia Creeper can be trained up walls and provides a splendid palate of reds, oranges, yellows, and even purple when its leaves turn in late autumn. It is not as damaging as Grapevine, Trumpet Creeper, or English Ivy but the tendrils could damage masonry and pruning is needed to keep it in check. This vine fruits in mid-autumn and are usually ripe by November. Thick clumps of creeper can serve as nest habitat and shelter, especially if it grows up trees, arbors, or walls. Virginia Creeper may cause minor skin rashes in some people but is told from poison ivy by its five-leaf arrangement. 

Attracts thrushes, wrens, vireos, Baltimore Orioles, and small woodland birds such as chickadees or Downy Woodpeckers. Also hosts insects for birds to eat

Beautyberry  

Callicarpa americana 

American Beautyberry fruits  Wikimedia Foundation

The Beautyberry or Beautybush is a fairly common shrub of open woodlands, meadows, and disturbed habitats that is prized in landscapes for its gorgeous purple fruits. The plant is also a popular food source for songbirds and small mammals and is also small enough to fit in most gardens. The shrub rarely exceeds 2m or 6ft in height and is a nice addition to any decidous or evergreen shrub planting. This plant does best in partial sun but can tolerate shade as well. You will get more fruits if the shrub is located in a sunnier area. Fruits are produced from late summer to autumn and ripen in December. Its leaves turn orange-yellow in the autumn while its purple or magenta  fruit clusters persist until the birds eat them all. Beautyberries are a second choice for many birds and will be visited once more protein rich fruits like magnolias, viburnums, or crabapple/hawthorns are finished. 

Attracts Hermit Thrushes, mockingbirds, thrashers, cardinals, bluebirds, and Yellow Rumped Warblers as well as a myriad of other birds.   

Viburnum Species 

Viburnum sp.

Arrowwood Wikimedia Foundation

Viburnums are a large family of shrubs in the family Adoxaceae and has more than 150 species. Several Viburnums are native to the Carolinas and are commonly found in woodlands, swamps, or heathlands. Most nonnative species are also good for gardens although be mindful that some varieties may naturalize or become invasive, so look up the botanical name of a plant in the store if your are not sure. While sun exposure, soil type, and maximum height and spread varies by species, most Viburnums will fit in any garden or hedgerow and are about the size of any hydrangea, boxwood or azalea. Viburnums flower during the late spring or early summer and fruit from mid-autumn through winter. Most species lose their leaves in autumn and turn yellow, orange or red in October or November. Mapleleaf Viburnum Viburnum acerifolium, Nannyberry Viburnum lentago, and Arrowwood (Dentata or Mollotinus) are native examples, while the Japanese Snowball Viburnum plicatum is a common imported species. Depending on the species' size and density these shrubs may provide nest habitat, and cover for birds as well.

Attracts thrushes, vireos, warblers, thrashers, cardinals, mockingbirds, and catbirds 

Spicebush 

Lindera benzoin

Spicebush fruits, Wikimedia Foundation

Common Spicebush is a widespread species of shrub in North America and is one of several Lindera shrubs in our area. This plant is deciduous and typically grows between 2-4m (6-13ft) tall and may form colonies with tubers. It is naturally found in peatlands, wooded swamps, and woodlands and is does quite well near limestone. The shrub produces yellow-green flowers in the spring just before it leafs out, producing a sweet fragrance. Fruits generally ripen in mid-autumn and are red in coloration. Like blueberries and some other fruits, you need a male and female shrub to produce fruits. Plant spicebush as a hedgerow, buffer, or in a woodland garden as it can take over. It tolerates both shade and sun but like the Beautyberry, it fruits more prolifically in the summer. Thickets form dense cover for ground nesting birds and local rabbit populations and the shrub is a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly. 

Attracts Veery, Wood, and Hermit Thrushes, mockingbirds, catbirds, starlings, most vireo species and much more. Also a good plant for butterfly and pollinator gardens as it is a host plant and early spring nectar source for bees and butterflies.  

Hollies 

Ilex sp.

American Holly Wikimedia Foundation 

Hollies are a large group of plants in the Ilex genus and there are several native species in our area. In the case of gardens and landscapes, virtually any of the commonly sold holly species will work for attracting birds. Most hollies are small to mid-sized trees and need a lot of space. Even the evergreen English and Japanese Hollies used as foundation shrubs are really small trees and require careful pruning to keep them in check. Some of our native hollies include the American Holly Ilex opaca, Winterberry I. verticillata, Inkberry I. glabra, and Yaupon Holly I. vomitoria. In the garden, use tree-sized species such as American Holly, English Holly or Japanese Hollies as specimens or hedges, while Yaupon and Dwarf Yaupon make better foundation shrubs with the latter rarely getting taller than 1m or 3ft. Most species are evergreen and make good nest trees, although Winterberry is a  deciduous shrub. The spiky leaves of some hollies add protection from cats and mammalian predators and are particularly popular with mockingbirds, thrashers, and cardinals, while Winterberries, Inkberries, and Yaupons are not spiky, thus better in small gardens. All species of holly produce red or black fruits in autumn and are among the last berries to ripen in the winter. Like the Spicebush, you need male and female shrubs of each species to produce fruits. Fruits are eaten by birds between January and March after nearly all other fruits have been depleted. In general, hollies require very little maintenance other than pruning and mix well with Gardenias, Camellias, Azaleas, Red Cedars, and Wax Myrtles or any large canopy tree. 

Attracts Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Common Starlings, mockingbirds, Hermit Thrushes, and cardinals. Evergreen species are good nest and cover habitat for birds. 

Carolina Cherry Laurel 

Prunus caroliniana

Carolina Cherry Laurel in flower Wikimedia Foundation

The Carolina Cherry Laurel or Laurelcherry is a small tree or large shrub that is common in the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas and is found in virtually any woodland, shrubby area, or disturbed habitat. It is common in gardens both as a planting and a prolific volunteer. Cherry Laurels can grow as tall as 11m or 35ft but are easily trained as shrubs with regular pruning. The shrubs/trees are evergreen and form dense crowns. Cherry Laurels bloom in the late winter, often February or March and produce fruits that do not ripen until that winter. Fruits are often still present while the tree is flowering. The shrub produces showy white flowers that can attract butterflies, bees, and even early waves of migratory birds. Plant Cherry Laurels as a hedge or as part of a woodland planting or allow them to naturalize in a back area of the garden. While it can be weedy, it is easy to pull out unwanted seedlings. This shrub is almost an ideal bird garden tree as it is small enough for most gardens, has fruits that are popular with birds, and is a good nesting tree. 

Attracts American Robins, Hermit Thrushes, Cedar Waxwings, starlings, and numerous other birds including those that use it for nesting.

Southern and Sweetbay Magnolia 

Magnolia grandiflora and Magnolia virginiana

Sweet Bay Magnolia, Wikimedia Foundation

Magnolias are a popular tree in gardens across the Southeast join Live Oaks, Cabbage Palmettos, Longleaf Pines, and Crepe Myrtles as the most commonly planted tree in gardens across the Wilmington area. Southern Magnolia is a massive evergreen tree that can grow up to 30m (~100ft) and spread out nearly as wide if planted in an open area. This tree grows very densely and produces large saucer shaped flowers from late May to August and is known for its sweet but sickening fragrance. Sweet Bay is less common as a garden specimen but is gaining popularity. This shrub is smaller and easier to manage and has smaller flowers and maxes out at 10m or 30ft. Both shrubs produce red seeds (which look like berries) from September to October that are among the most popular fruits for autumn migrants. In the summer the flowers attract bees, moths, orioles, and hummingbirds although both species are poor nest trees. Southern Magnolia requires a large space and might take up an entire back garden. Additionally very few plants can grow under magnolias due to its dense shades, and abundant leaf litter. This tree is best used in woodland or windbreak habitats and are quite resilient in hurricanes or windstorms. Sweet Bay still needs a lot of space but can grow nicely in a hedge or back garden. There are also deciduous magnolias native to our area which produce similar fruits.  

Attracts vireos, thrushes, waxwings, flickers, mockingbirds, catbirds, and much more. Neither magnolia are good nest trees because of its flexible branches vertical growth pattern.    

Hackberry 

Celtis occidentalis 

Hackberry Tree, Wikimedia Foundation

Our final highlight is another important protein source for autumn migration. Hackberries are large deciduous trees that occur across Eastern North America and averages around 15 meters or 50ft tall. This shrub has a splendid autumn appearance with orange to purple leaves in October or November. It occurs in deciduous and mixed forests, along rivers, and in swamps and is popular as a street or park tree. While Hackberries may be too large for some gardens, it makes a good specimen or as part of a copse or windbreak with maples, sweetgums, beeches, oaks, and other hardwoods, because of its autumn coloration. The fruits ripen in September and attract a wide range of birds as well as squirrels, while the flowers are great for bees and wasps. In addition to Common Hackberry, there is the Sugarberry Celtis laevigata which is told by its narrower leaves and its preference for damp soil including swamp or floodplain forests. Either species is good for attracting birds or adding color to a woodland area or planting. Hackberry leaf litter may inhibit the growth of other plants.

Attracts thrushes, vireos, mockingbirds, cardinals and chickadees. In general hackberries are good woodland trees for their role as a host plant, cover, and pollinator benefits 

Plants You Should Avoid 

Privets 

Ligustrum sp.

Variegated cultivar of Chinese Privet, Wikimedia Foundation

Privets are a family of evergreen or semievergreen shrubs that are native to Eurasia and are popular as hedges, foundation shrubs, and for wildlife shelter areas. There are around 50 species of Privets with four species being naturalized in the Carolinas. Chinese, Japanese/Glossy, European, and Olive-Leaved Privet are considered weedy or invasive species that can take over the understory of woodlands and outcompete native shrubs. In the garden persistent fruits and runners can overtake properties while the fruits are spread into forests and greenways by birds and deer. Privets can grow as tall as 12m and poorly maintained foundation plantings can surpass the roofline in a few seasons, requiring professional arborists to remove or prune them. While all four privets and their cultivars are wonderful fruits for garden birds and are equivalent to hollies, avoid planting them and remove any privet that are growing in a garden (or cut off the fruits after flowering). Carolina Cherry Laurel, American Olive, and Japanese Camellias are better alternatives for evergreen hedges or shrub borders. 

Common Buckthorn 

Rhamnus cathartica

Common Buckthorn, Wikimedia Foundation

Buckthorn is a deciduous shrub that was once popular in gardens and hedges and was imported from Europe. This shrub can take over like privet and its fruits are spread by birds and mammals. Additionally, buckthorns produce chemicals in their leaves that inhibit other plants from growing. The fruits of buckthorn also have a very low nutrition value and are mildly poisonous to humans and other animals. As with privet, remove any buckthorns that are already present and consider native or less-aggressive alternatives. There are native buckthorn species in North America such as Carolina Buckthorn and Alder-Leaf Buckthorn that can be substituted as well. 

Chinese Tallow Tree "Popcorn Tree"

Triandica sebifera 

Tallow Tree leaves, Wikimedia Foundation

Tallow Trees or Popcorn Trees is an aspen-like tree that is native to Asia and was planted for its distinctive white fruits (like popcorn) and was used for candle making. The tree is ubiquitous in the Carolinas and is a noxious weed and invasive plant in our area. The fruits, leaves, and sap have toxic qualities and like the buckthorn, infestations can inhibit native vegetation. Birds such as waxwings, thrushes, warblers, and flickers consume the fruits and spread them across woodlands, gardens, and marshes. The tree does  have a nice autumn color and is reddish orange like some of our native hackberries and maples. Its leaves are round with a spade-like tip. Tallow Trees should be removed and replaced with native alternatives. Hackberry, dogwoods, maples, and tulip poplar have similar foliage colors in the autumn.  

Nandina "Sacred Bamboo"

Nandina domestica 

Nandina Fruits. Credit: Emőke Dénes Wikimedia Foundation

Nandina is a commonly planted shrub that resembles bamboo and is known for its reddish leaves, berries, and compact size. It is a good plant for foundation borders, and gardens and is generally easy to manage. However its main problem is its fruits. Nandina has fruits that are highly toxic to people and wildlife and there are some reports of birds dying after consuming its fruits. Avoid purchasing this plant and consider native alternatives such as Beautyberry or Spicebush. If there are already plants in the garden or you are going for a Japanese or Chinese themed garden, it is important to cut the fruits after the shrub flowers. Aside from its fruits, Nandina is easily managed and does provide cover.  

Multiflora Rose 

Rosa multiflora 

Multiflora Rose. Source Wikimedia Foundation

Multiflora Rose is a highly aggressive climbing rose that was introduced from Asia and is now prolific in North America. This rose is an invasive plant and noxious weed in our area and can overtake woodland borders, meadows, and almost any sunny habitat. While thickets offer great bird habitat and its fruits are popular with mockingbirds, thrushes, and even bobwhites, it has low wildlife value and shades out or chokes shrubs and trees. This rose has large white flowers that are present from late April to June and bright red hips. Remove any Multiflora Rose from the garden and substitute plantings with other native or cultivated roses. Carolina Rose, Cherokee Rose, and Swamp Rose are native species that can be found in this article. 

 

Mississippi Kite

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

Mississippi Kite in flight, Pinewood Cemetery (Apr 2020)   

Mississippi Kite at Greenfield Lake July (2020)

The Mississippi Kite is a small hawk that occurs in the Carolinas from late April to September and is a breeding resident in the Cape Fear Region. The kite is common to locally abundant in a wide variety of habitats and is one of the most frequently seen birds of prey during the summer months. Kites are primarily aerial hunters that remain airborne for most of the day, similar to swallows and swifts. There are two kite species in the Carolinas with the once-common Swallow-Tailed Kite occuring as a rare breeding reasident in the Cape Fear, although populations may be returning to our area.  

Description 

The Mississippi Kite is a small member of the hawk family that is approximatly the size of a Sharp-Shinned Hawk or a little longer than a Kestral or Merlin. In flight, the Kite has long wings that are held slightly downward, a noticeably long tail and a slender profile. It can be mistaken for a falcon or one of the sparrowhawk species although these birds generally have stiff, direct flight patterns. Adults are greyish brown with a white head. The tail and wing tips are black. While rarely seen from above, the kite has white markings on the top of hits wings when they are spread out. Cornell All About Bird Profile

• Size: L: 33-38cm or 13-15", WS: 76-86cm or 30-34" (between the size of a Merlin and Cooper's Hawk)
• Plumage: Greyish overall with black tail and wingtips, and a whitish head. From above, the inner wings have white markings. 
• Body: Slender and falconlike with long, narrow wings, and a long tail. 
• Flight: Kites glide gracefully in the air for long periods of time while occasionally flapping in short rapid bursts. They may soar in thermals without flapping at all. 

Similar Species 

Sparrowhawks: Other small hawks such as Cooper's Hawks, and Sharp Shinned Hawks have broader wings and a fast, direct flight. Sparrowhawks hunt near the ground 

Falcons: Merlin and Kestrel are smaller with different color patterns and faster wingbeats. Peregrine is larger 

Swallow-Tailed Kite: Larger (almost the size of a Red Tailed Hawk) with a distinctive forked  tail and an all white body.

Calls 

Mississippi Kites are generally silent although adults do occasionally make a sharp whistle call that sounds like "Pewee" or "Krii-cheeer". This call is mostly heard near the nest site or during courtship and sounds like a Eastern Wood Pewee or certain shorebird species. Listen Here 

Notes

Riparian habitats are the preferred habitat of Kites

Season: Generally arrives in late April and remains in Cape Fear Region until September

Range: Occurs mainly in the eastern third of the Carolinas (Coastal Plain) although birds may be seen anywhere in NC or SC as a vagrant.

Habitat: Mississippi Kites can be found in virtually any habitat with open areas and scattered trees, copses, or  wooded borders. In the Wilmington Area, Kites are common in riparian corridors, woodlands, parks, golf courses, residential areas, and farmland with scattered trees or windbreaks. They feed near waterways and manmade ponds as well as fields, marshes or meadows. 

Diet: Kites eat mostly aerial insects although they will consume lizards and small vertebrates caught in treetops or grassy fields.  

Nesting: The Mississippi Kite nests singly or in loose colonies in open woodlands, pinelands, or in the countryside. They commonly breed in suburbs, parkland, urban greenways, and near towns or villages where scattered stands pines or hardwoods are available. The pair builds a simple stick nest near the crown of a pine or hardwood tree and lays 1-3 eggs. During nesting the nesting pair as well as other kites will perch in nearby trees, wires or snags between hunting sessions. The nesting cycle takes most of the summer (May-Aug) and the birds raise one brood per year. In our area, a stand of trees may support two or more nesting pairs. 

Behavior: Kites are almost exclusively aerial hunters and catch most of their prey on the wing. Adults are usually found lazily soaring in thermals or gliding over treetops, meadows, or waterways with occasional bursts of wingbeats. The birds may also perform sharp turns, or aerobatic moves to catch dragonflies and other fast insects.  Kites only land to roost, nest, or preen. All other activities including bathing and drinking are done in flight. These hawks catch their prey in midair with their feet and consume it while flying. On occasion Mississippi Kites may go after reptiles, small rodents, or birds on the ground or in trees. Like other hawks, kites often remain faithful to their nest sites and will choose the same perches for observation and resting. Adults fiercely defend their nests from crows, other birds of prey, and sometimes people or mammals but tolerate other kites. Unmated birds or juveniles may assist breeding females on occasion. 

Status: Mississippi Kites are common in our area and appear to adapt well to agrarian, suburban, and urban landscapes as long as there are suitable prey and nest sites. Their populations are considered to be stable according to the Cornell All About Birds profile. However, threats such as insecticides, and nest predation by Fish Crows and other human-adapted animals, could affect populations. Mississippi Kites appear to do well in fragmented or managed forests and take well to scattered pines, copses or windbreaks, and urban forestry projects. 

Where to Find 

Mississippi Kites can be found virtually anywhere and are most likely to be seen overhead. Most likely these birds already occur in your neighborhood and are common along interstates, country roads, rivers, and over pastures across our area. Greenfield Lake Park has several nesting pairs, while Airlie Gardens, Holly Shelter Game Land, and any urban or suburban park in our area will have them. 

Spotting Tips: The most reliable way to find kites is to simply scan the skies or waterways for soaring raptors, and to look in dead snags or power poles for perched birds. Their infrequent whistle call can also be an indication of their presence and a possible nest, although the call can easily be overlooked as a Wood Pewee, Broad Winged Hawk, or Red Shouldered Hawk. 

In the summertime, the Kite is the only light grey raptor with a white head (the Harrier is a winter resident). With the Sharp Shinned Hawk and Merlin a winter visitor, no other bird of prey is this small with slender wings and a long tail. 

Garden Information 

Kites are most likely to be seen as a flyover although a pair may choose a pine, oak, sweetgum or other large tree as their nest site. These birds are generally unaffected by landscaping in domestic settings although these hawks like foraging over large lawns or meadows in rural estates or over croplands. Trees and minimizing pesticide use are the main ways to help kites in our area. Unlike more familiar birds of prey such as the sparrowhawk family, or falcons, Mississippi Kites hunt visitors to bird tables and a nesting pair will likely deter any hawks, owls, or crows from visiting the area. 

 

Wilmington Riverwalk Birding

Wilmington Riverwalk Birding

Wilmington Downtown Riverwalk circa Autumn 2019

The Wilmington Riverwalk is an 2.82km or 1.75 mile boardwalk that runs along the Cape Fear River  in the city center. This public corridor is known for its views of the river, various shops and businesses, and as a place to exercise. Additionally the Riverwalk is an often overlooked birding spot that is easily accessible. While urban centers are often considered poor avian habitat, Wilmington and many North Carolina cities have a surprising number of species that visit or live in gardens, greenways, or streetscapes. Additionally the river is a good spot to see migratory waterfowl, seabirds, shorebirds, herons, as well as year-round favorites like the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and even occasionally Pelicans. 

Overview 

The Riverwalk is located in Downtown Wilmington and runs along the river and Water Street. The entire stretch offers clear views of the river as well as land in Brunswick County. The Cape Fear River itself is an an ecological area as it includes estuarine habitats further south towards Pleasure Island and Southport, while the North East Cape Fear River contains old-growth cypress and hardwood forests. Wilmington is located in a brackish area where freshwater transitions into saltwater and where tree and freshwater wetlands become Spartina Saltmarsh. The third major element of this location are the human-modified landscapes. Dredge spoil islands from channel expansions at the seaport create habitat for terns, herons and pelicans, while masonry structures as well as wharves offer habitat for cliff nesting birds. The best time to visit the Riverwalk is during the autumn although there are good opportunities to find birds, and often other wildlife (like otters, alligators, and other animals) in any season.  

Eagles Island 

Eagles Island with USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial

Eagles Island is an island located directly across the river from Wilmington and is where the USS North Carolina Battleship is moored. This island is also traversed by both the Memorial and Holmes Bridge and is mostly undeveloped aside from some wharves and harbor facilities. Eagles Islands was historically a rice plantation and some remnants of the former paddies remain today. The island has large areas of brackish and freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and copses of trees and myrtles. These habitats often host birds such as Red Winged Blackbirds, Boat Tailed Grackles, King, Clapper, or Virginia Rails, and various songbirds throughout the year. Even though Eagles' is actually a name of a family, there are Bald Eagles that live on or visit the island, as well as Osprey, Harriers,  and Mississippi Kites depending on the time of year. You can get a good look at the eastern bank of Eagles Island from the riverwalk although it is also possible to visit the USS NC Museum via regular water taxis during the tourist season, or by driving there from Highway US 421.  

City Center  

Native plant garden near Downtown Library and City Hall

Wilmington's Downtown District is another important feature of this location. Like many cities, towns, and villages, these areas have limited greenspace and are not as good of bird habitats as parks  or residential gardens. However, there are still much more than just House Sparrows, Rock Doves, and Mockingbirds in this area. The most noticeable birds that can be seen around the Riverwalk or over the historic district and north towards the "New City" include various swallows, martins, and swifts, the Peregrine, and Cooper's Hawk. Gardens, balcony plantings, and several bird tables along the Riverwalk or along the streets host chickadees, titmice, Carolina Wrens, Collared Doves, and hummingbirds, while large shade trees may contain Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, or a Crested Flycatcher. Other places to check out in Downtown Wilmington include the natural gardens at the New Hanover County Library on Chestnut and 2nd Street, a greenway corridor near Cape Fear Community College, and the courtyard garden at the Cotton Exchange. These areas have plantings, trees, and manmade structures that may host year-round or migratory birds. 

Bird Opportunities 

Collared Dove near a garden with a bird table

The best times to visit the Wilmington Riverfront is in the spring and autumn or between March and May, and again from August to December. During this time, you are likely to see songbirds such as warblers, vireos, kinglets, sparrows, and gnatcatchers in trees, garden plantings, or across the river, as well as birds of prey, gulls, terns, waterfowl, egrets, and much more. Outside of migration, the Riverfront is still a good place to find resident, breeding, or wintering species. 

Birding by Boat: Another good way to see birds along the Cape Fear, including in more natural areas further north is to take one of the many boat tours offered by cruise companies in the area. The outings travel south towards the seaport, while others travel northward in alternating schedules. Water taxis that go to Eagles Island may also grant close-up views of waterbirds and seabirds.  

Swallows: The Cape Fear River has one of the best martin and swallow habitats in the region and you can see all seven swallow species as well as Chimney Swifts during the spring, summer and early autumn. Barn Swallows nest under in large colonies under wharves, docks, overhangs and the boardwalk itself, while Tree, Cliff, Rough Winged Swallows can be spotted feeding over the water. Multiple homesites and public gardens have Purple Martin nest sites with active colonies, while birds from inland and the New Hanover Peninsula gather along the river as well. Ebird.org reports at least a few Cliff Swallows have nested on the various bridges along the river corridor with photos of one nest on the US 421 Causeway in the northeastern section of the river. In spring and autumn Sand Martins (aka Bank Swallows), and Cave Swallows are also possible. 

Waterfowl and Waterbirds: Cormorants, Herring Gulls, Ring-Billed Gulls, Laughing Gulls, Common Terns, Royal Terns, Caspian Terns, Canada Geese and during the winter Mergansers are likely to be found in or over the river. In addition to these birds, you may find Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and other waterfowl during the winter, or spot an Anhinga flying over during the summertime. On rare occasions Brown Pelicans, Black Skimmers, and Black Backed Gulls may fly up the river to Downtown Wilmington. 

Birds of Prey: Highlights include the Peregrine, Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk as well as any of the three large owl species. Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Marsh Harriers can all be spotted over the river or at Eagles Island.

Land Birds: While House Sparrows, Common Starlings, Rock Doves, Northern Mockingbirds, House Finches, Fish Crows, and Boat Tailed Grackles are a practically guaranteed, keep your eye  out for other garden, woodland, and marsh birds. Among the opportunistic city-dwellers you are bound to see Carolina Wrens, or Brown Thrashers near shrubbery or wooded borders, Yellow Throated Warblers in large oaks, and chickadees, titmice, and in the winter Song or White Throated Sparrows around bird tables or feeders. Also look out for Collared or Barbary Doves which are only found in in our area in Downtown Wilmington and a few coastal towns.

Migrants: Some of the other birds you may see or hear include Orchard or Baltimore (summer and winter respectively) in shade trees, Swamp Sparrows in clumps of reeds, Winter or House Wrens in overgrown areas, and almost any of the migratory warblers vireo, or thrush species in trees along the water. I even saw a Yellow Billed Cuckoo along the riverwalk last year.

Eagles Island: Across the river look for anything from Red Winged Blackbirds to Marsh Wrens, especially if you are on Eagles Island or on a kayak. Shorebirds and plovers may also be spotted overhead. 

Other Wildlife: Keep an eye out for deer or other wildlife across the river, as well as muskrats, otters, beavers, alligators, and other aquatic animals that may travel the waterways day or night. 

Lizards

Lizards

Links to related articles: Frogs, Cuckoos, Wrens Garden Plants I and Water

Our gardens and parks can become home to many creatures. In addition to birds, you may encounter bees, wasps, ants, frogs, lizards, and even box turtles. These animals play an important role in the ecosystem and the more species that live in a given area, the healthier the ecosystem is. In an earlier article, I went over the major frog and toad species in the Cape Fear Region and how to provide habitat for them. Lizards are another group of cold-blooded animals that reside our gardens and woodlands and  serve a similar role to frogs. Of the reptile species, lizards are the most adaptable and most people tolerate or even enjoy them in their yards. In contrast, snakes are equally or in some cases more important for the ecosystem but are generally not as desirable and a few snakes can inflict a venomous bite. All lizard species are harmless to humans, and are good allies in combatting garden and household pests. There are 14 species of lizards in the Carolinas including two introduced species, with 3-5 species commonly occurring in garden.

   Green Anole

Anolis carolinensis 

Green Anole in our garden 

The Green Anole is one of the most commonly encountered lizards in the Cape Fear Region and is often erroneously called a gecko or chameleon. These mid-sized lizards are the only representative of this mostly tropical genus although there are some reports of Brown Anoles Anolis sagrei near Wilmington that were introduced accidentally in palmettos and other plants from Florida. Anoles can  change colors based on the environment with the lizards being lime green in warm and sunny locations and grey-brown to reddish during damp, cool, or dark conditions. Anoles range from 13 to 20cm long (5-8") and are mostly found in meadows, woodland edges, pinelands, or parklands where with ample sunlight. They are also common in gardens, urban dooryards, and landscaped areas and may be seen on stonewalls, the doorsteps, or amongst hanging planters. They may even enter houses during the winter or if it is stormy. Green Anoles are active year-round and can be seen on any warm, sunny day (esp when air temperatures are above 15C or 59F), although they are certainly more active during the summer and autumn. Male anoles maintain small territories and display to potential mates or rivals by flashing their red throats. Females lay eggs in loose soil, decayed wood,  or in leaf litter and nests may be found in planters, or in open bags of garden soil. Anoles live in colonies where multiple females occupy a small area, while multiple males may claim a small area with one or more females. In the winter, the lizards congregate in warm spots such as electrical boxes, the southern sides of  buildings, stonewalls, tree holes, or inside outbuildings. Anoles eat insects and arthropods including prey as large as dragonflies and wasps, but also consume nectar, fruits, and sweets. 

Eastern Fence Lizard 

Sceloporus undulatus

Eastern Fence Lizard, Wikimedia Commons file

The Fence Lizard is a common but often overlooked lizard in our area that is also at home in our gardens and parks. While the Anole is brightly colored, conspicuous, and very gregarious, the Fence Lizard is more suited for camouflage and is solitary. This lizard is similar in size to the Anole but is  thicker, and is brown or grey with bands on it (more like a generic lizard). These reptiles are found both on the ground and in trees and prefer sunny habitats like meadows, open woodlands, pinelands, gardens, and homesites. Look for adults sunning on fences, rocks, stonewalls, or logs, or climbing up trees, although they are much more skittish than Anoles. Males display by bobbing their heads and standing up to show their bellies. After mating, females lay a clutch of eggs in a burrow or  amongst leaves, mulch or decaying wood, just like the anole. Fence Lizards eat primarily insects and other arthropods. They are active from late winter to autumn and hibernate during the winter.  

Six-Lined Racerunner 

Cnemidophorus sexlineatus

Six-Lined Racerunner Wikimedia Commons file

The Racerunner is a fairly large lizard that is considered one of the fastest reptiles on land. This lizard is common in dry habitats such as pine barrens, coastal dunes, dry woodlands, and grasslands and is mostly seen during the summer. They may occur in gardens but are generally overlooked as they remain well camouflaged and will run away if approached. Females lay eggs in sandy soil or in burrows during the summer months. Racerunners catch insects and similar prey on open ground and rarely climb into trees.

Skinks 

Eumeces species 

Broad Headed Skink Wikimedia Commons file

Five-Lined Skink in our garden

There are four species of Skinks in the Cape Fear Region with three of them likely to occur in gardens with the appropriate habitats. Skinks are mostly terrestrial lizards that remain under vegetation or debris but will venture out into the open to hunt or sun. The Broad Headed Skink is our largest typical lizard with the largest examples exceeding 33cm or 13" in length including its long tail. The Ground Skink is actually our smallest native lizard and is less than 8cm (3") long on average. Skinks can be somewhat difficult to identify as juveniles and adults look similar and the color patterns do vary. Five-Lined, Southeastern Five-Lined, and Broad Headed Skinks commonly inhabit gardens and parks and can co-occur. As far as natural habitat, Five-Lined Skinks prefer damp woodlands, swamps, and wet meadow habitats, while the Broad Headed Skink is more at home in drier settings like pine barrens, maritime forest, and disturbed habitats such as vacant lots. Broad Headed Skinks can also be distinguished by the tendency to climb trees, walls, and shrubs while the other skinks mostly stay on the ground. Skinks are mostly active during the warmer months but do come out on warm winter days. Adult skinks are often found individually or in small groups and do  not defend territories. Males are known to fight over partners and may lose their tails or suffer injuries during battles. Unlike snakes, lizard tails will regenerate. Females lay eggs in soft soil or  detritus including in rotting logs, flowerpots, mulch, and unused garden soil. These lizards will stay with nest eggs and protect it from snakes, birds, or other skinks. Adult skinks will eat almost thing they can swallow including small or large arthropods, snails, smaller reptiles, salamanders, and even bird eggs. They also take fruit, human food scraps, and other food types. 

Eastern Glass Lizard 

Ophisaurus ventralis

Eastern Glass Lizard in our garden

The Glass Lizard is a leg-less lizard that closely resembles a snake but is told by its moving eyelids, and ear canals. These lizards occur throughout the Carolinas but are fairly uncommon and rarely seen in the open unless they are sunning. There are three species of Glass Lizards in the Cape Fear Region although the Eastern Glass Lizard is the most likely to visit or live in our gardens. They occupy various forest and woodland types, meadows, shrublands, and pinelands in dry and moist settings. They are most likely to be found under stones, logs, junk, in stumps, or sometimes along home foundations. Adults can be as long as 110cm or 43" long (larger than most of our snakes) although most examples are around 30-50cm (12-20") long. Glass Lizards are completely harmless and should not be harmed in any way. Like skinks these lizards will at almost anything they can swallow and take  large arthropods, other reptiles, amphibians, voles, as well as fruits and detritus. Females lay eggs in soft soil or under debris or logs during the spring and summer and will remain with the nest. Glass Lizards are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, persecution by humans, and losses to automobiles, lawnmowers, feral cats, dogs, or becoming trapped.  

House Gecko 

Hemidactylus turcicus

House Gecko Wikimedia Commons file

The House Gecko or Mediterranean Gecko is an nocturnal lizard that was introduced into our region by accident. Like the Brown Anole, this small lizard likely got into our area through international shipping at seaports and major airports and has been reported in Wilmington NC, and Charleston SC. This lizard  is tiny at 8-13cm (3-5")  long and is often overlooked as it is nocturnal. These  lizards are most likely to be found around human habitation and may be seen on walls, windows, porches, and and shrubbery or around outdoor lights. They eat small insects and arthropods at night and shelter in crevices, plants, or objects at night as well as going into our homes. This is the only lizard that makes a sound and often makes a high pitched chirp call, or various clicks when displaying. They nest communally in moist soil or in crevices and eggs may be found in flowerpots or garden soil. While Geckos are not common yet in our area (I have yet to see one in our garden), they will likely be coming to a porch light near you. There appears to be no evidence of Geckos competing with Anoles as they are nocturnal and hunt smaller prey items. It seems that House Geckos might by another rare example of an exotic inhabitant will mostly be remain curiosity and possibly benefit ecology in urbanized landscapes, but it is too early to tell. 

Attracting Lizards

Lizards are very easy to attract to your garden and it is almost certain that at least one of these species already thrive in your area. As with all wildlife, improving the natural habitat can go a long way at supporting lizards in urban or suburban settings as well as balancing the ecosystem. Anoles, skinks, and geckos need only a reliable source of food, some water, and protective cover to thrive, while Racerunners and Glass Lizards might visit a garden if there is prey is abundant. All lizards are efficient predators and will consume native and nonnative insects that could be pests in the landscape or our homes. Examples of pests that anoles, geckos and skinks eat include cockroaches, flies, moth caterpillars, mosquitoes, and slugs, while a Glass Lizard might take on a small mouse at times. Lizards are in turn food for snakes, weasels, hawks, owls, herons, and crows. 

• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides as these chemicals kill off prey for lizards and can directly harm reptiles that come in contact with treated areas 

• Avoid killing lizards or snakes in your garden, instead, take the time to appreciate the role they serve in the ecosystem.

• Improve food and cover by planting native or cultivated flowers and plants that attract insects, retaining leaf litter under shrubs, and including logs, stones, or objects for sunning 

• Anoles, fence lizards, and skinks may drink from birdbaths 

• Provide places for egg laying such as meadow or perennial plantings, brushpiles, or by including flowerpots, planters, or deadwood in landscapes 

• Anoles and geckos may use birdhouses, butterfly houses, or repurposed containers for shelter during the winter. Place such habitats on or near heated buildings, or south-facing walls 

• Green Anoles occasionally visit hummingbird or oriole feeders, while skinks and glass lizards often come to compost pits for prey and organic scraps.  

Sources 

• All information included in this article was sourced from the book Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia (Second Edition) by Jeffrey C. Beane, Alvin L. Braswell, Joseph C. Mitchell, and Julian R. Harrison II. Published in 2010

• Additional photos for species that I do not have photos of are sourced from Wikimedia Commons (via the Wikipedia Pages)

Providing Water

Water Features and More

Container Water Garden with plants and solar pump

Water is the essential element of life and is a necessity for nearly all organisms on Earth. Birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects all benefit from natural or artificial water sources in our gardens, parks, and towns. When we are looking to attract birds to our gardens, we often think about food, providing birdhouses, and for people who enjoy gardening, choosing the right plants. However, beginner and experienced bird gardeners often overlook or neglect the need for a reliable source of water, myself included. This week I am going to talk about the importance of water, and how to incorporate it into the landscape 

Natural Water 

An example of natural pond near Charlotte NC

Water can be found almost anywhere and natural creeks, ponds, rivers, and puddles are just the most noticeable sources. Other places where water can be found can include droplets or dew on leaves or grass, in tree holes, rock crevices, and in various manmade objects around our homes and places of business. While these natural and incidental water features are important, they are often few and far between, even in the Carolinas where rainfall is abundant and most communities have a creek or manmade pond. In developed areas, water is much harder to come by and most of our natural and artificial sources could be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, and algae. Additionally most birds and small animals do not use ponds or lakes, but use smaller puddles, water droplets, or shallow streams which are much rarer. 

Water and Birds 

Waxwing near pond at NC Arboretum, Asheville NC

Water is an especially important resource for birds as they need it for both drinking and maintaining their feathers. As stated above, birds and other small animals may be able to take advantage of larger water features while saltwater wetlands are also useless. Birds need water all year long, including during the winter. Larger species such as ducks, geese, wading birds, and most seabirds are at home  in ponds, lakes, or even the sea and will often drink or bath in these areas. Most of our garden species like doves, songbirds, woodpeckers, and such depend mostly on puddles, water-filled cavities, or droplets on vegetation for their needs or take advantage of rainstorms. This is where gardeners and bird lovers can lend a helping hand.

Drinking: As with most animals, birds need to drink water to stay hydrated and to help with digestion. Aside from natural sources, some birds may obtain water from fruits, certain insects, tree buds, and other dietary sources. Most birds sip water by gathering up liquid in their bill and tipping their heads back to swallow it. Pigeons and doves suck up water like a horse. 

Bathing: Bathing is a behavior carried out by most birds to clean and maintain their plumages just like what we do during our morning routine or after a visit to the gym or studio. Water bathing is used to remove dust, debris and filth from the feathers, control parasites, and cool off. This is followed by preening where the bird rearranges its feathers and for most species, spreads special oils over their bodies to add protection and waterproofing. Dustbathing, sunbathing, and an odd behavior called anting (using ants to spread formic acid on the feathers) are alternatives to bathing. Many birds including most of our garden visitors bath in shallow water or during rainstorms. Some birds such as chickadees, gnatcatchers, many warblers, and hummingbirds bath in mist, or use dew droplets on vegetation to wash. Swallows, swifts, and kites (as well as many species of bats) skim the water while flying. Birds bath year round and will even wash themselves in cold weather if the water sources are not frozen. 

Other Uses: Water has a small number of other uses for birds. Some species of birds (notably the Sandgrouse in North Africa) may use water to cool their young, while many birds will hunt aquatic prey from shallow ponds. Mud is used by some birds to make nests including Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Eurasian House Martins, American Robins and others. 

Birdbaths

The most popular way to provide water to birds in a garden is with a birdbath or similar feature. These fixtures are very popular in American and European gardens and are often used as garden decor or as part of stonework. However, not all birdbaths are practical for birds to use. Many decorative designs are too deep, have slippery sides, or are difficult to keep clean. As with birdhouses, feeders, and other supplemental features, there is no one-size-fit-all water feature and each design has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, a properly placed birdbath can draw in more bird species than any bird table and is usually the most inexpensive way to draw in birds compared to offering food, treats. 

Pedestal Birdbaths

Glass pedestal birdbath at my townhouse garden circa Apr 2020

 The most common type of birdbath is the pedestal design, which are the design we are the most familiar with. This type of bath usually has a small basin or dish that is mounted to a decorative stand and can be made of stone, concrete, porcelain, plastic, or even have glass in it. A functional pedestal bath will cater to most garden birds once they get used to it and is also popular with squirrels, chipmunks, lizards, and certain insects if it is reliably filled.

Ground-level Baths

Ground level bath with Starling 2011

Ground-level baths are water features that are installed on or near the ground and are often a part of decorative landscapes. Such setups can be easily made by filling dishes, terracotta saucers, or even a regular birdbath with water and placing it on the ground or on a low stand. This configuration is even more popular as most birds find their water on the ground, not on a 1m or 3ft stand situated on a lawn. Most other animals including marmots, rabbits, box turtles, and visiting wildlife can access ground-level ponds as well. However, low-level birdbaths are also more susceptible to predators and a cat, snake, or skilled sparrowhawk could ambush visitors if it is placed too close to shrubbery or structures.

Other Water Features 

Stream garden at NHC Arboretum's Japanese Garden

A fountain at Airlie Garden in Wilmington NC

Permanent water features are a step up from traditional birdbaths and are the closest thing to a natural water source we can create in our gardens. These setups are essentially water gardens that feature a in-ground basin or liner, or a permanent feature with a means of water circulation and different design elements. Examples of permanent water features include fountains, garden pools, container wetlands, and recirculating stream fixtures. While complex installations can be expensive and require electricity and plumbing, a basic wetland setup can be made with a relatively inexpensive solar or plug-in pump and any thing that holds water. Permanent water features have many additional benifits including the ability to grow wetland or aquatic plants, the  creation of frog habitat, and if you go all the way and create a naturalistic pond, waterbirds.  To make these features useable to birds, it is important to include shallow areas or to throw in stones, concrete blocks, or even logs  to create safe places for small birds to bath or drink. Pumps and circulation helps to keep the water fresh, control algae, and most importantly, keep mosquitoes at bay.  

Secondary Water Sources 

Water Globe (left), Water Dispenser (right) 

Water Globes: Water globes are plastic or rarely glass containers that resemble a hummingbird or oriole feeder but have a shallow dish so birds can get to it. Most globes hang from hooks, or other fixtures and can be placed near birdfeeders or as a standalone feature. These features can provide a long-lasting source of water for smaller birds and are not likely to entice mosquitoes. However, water globes are not useful for bathing and birds larger than a cardinal or oriole will have a difficult time hanging on. This is a viable means of providing water during the winter as long as you take it in during freezing temperatures to keep it from breaking. 

Hummingbird Feeders: This summer, I did an experiment where I filled a glass hummingbird feeder with water to see who would use it. At that point, I was tired of dealing with the high maintenance of keeping sugar water or nectar clean and safe, and had issues with hornets, yellowjackets, and ants last summer. When I put out the feeder, the hummingbirds quickly adopted it as a water source, along with chickadees, and other small bird. This may be a viable way to entice hummingbirds without the hassle of feeders as long as there are nectar plants nearby. 

Misters: A number of birds are attracted to mist or water vapor. Misters are a common method of cooling people at amusement parks, and other outdoor venues and there are numerous installations, and designs available for home use. A cheaper option is to use a misting fan on a patio or porch to  create the same effect. Hummingbirds, chickadees, and other small birds enjoy mist. 

Sprinklers: If your garden has irrigation installed you may see various songbirds, doves, and even visiting wading birds taking advantage of the artificial rainshower. I have also seen chickadees, hummingbirds, wrens, and certain warblers bathing when I set up my hose on mist mode or attach it to a mobile sprinkler when watering the garden. 

Dripper: Birds love the sound of moving water and are more likely to discover a bath if it has dripping or flowing water. Aside from inexpensive solar pumps, and water wigglers (also used to deter mosquitos), a simple container with a slow leak, or a dripping hose will work for any bath or pond. Some birds may drink or bath from leaking spigots or water left in a hose after it is shut off.  

Maintenance  

As with feeders, birdbath maintenance is vital for the safety of the birds. Neglected baths and water features can become deathtraps for birds and other animals. Droppings, algae, feathers, and organic debris can contribute to bacteria and lead to disease. Standing water that has been present for two or three days will attract mosquitoes such as the Aedes albopictus or Asian Tiger Mosquito which are a common pest in gardens that could lead to health concerns. These particular mosquitos are nonnative and thrive only in temporary water sources around human habitation and nearby natural areas, while most native mosquitos need floodwater, or long-lasting puddles. On top of mosquitos and direct risks to birds, poorly maintained water features are unsightly, may produce odors and will eventually be abandoned by the birds making them useless. In the hot and humid climate of the Carolinas, birdbaths can dry out on hot summer days and need to be refilled constantly to remain useful. In general, birdbaths are much easier to maintain than any birdfeeder, and require less work than monitoring birdhouses (a subject for another article). 

Cleaning: Birdbaths and similar water features should be cleaned at least once a week or when they began to look nasty. Most terracotta, concrete, stone, or plastic baths can be scrubbed with a sponge, cloth, or abrasive rag using just water or a mild soap solution (no bleach or chemicals). Glass and porcelain baths need to be cleaned with care as abrasive materials could scratch them. Baths with removable dishes can be washed with a hose, or in your kitchen sink, while fixed setups will need to be cleaned on site. Proper cleaning removes algae and scum buildup, animal droppings, dead insects, and organic debris. In setups with pumps and other equipment, cleaning will prevent debris from blocking the impeller, preventing burnouts or seizures in the mechanism. 

Refills: Baths should be refilled when they become dry while setups with pumps and fountains must never run dry as it could burn out the equipment. Additionally, it is important to completely change  the water every one to two days to combat bacteria, algae, and mosquitoes. Simply top off or refill the bath with regular tap, filtered, or distilled water. 

Winter Maintenance: During the winter months, it is still important to maintain a bath for birds to drink and bath. Freezing weather can cause birdbaths and ponds to freeze making them unusable to birds and small mammals. Additionally, terracotta, glass, ceramic, plastic, and porcelain containers may break or crack if they are allowed to freeze. Ice may also ruin pumps and fountains. The easiest way to combat freezing is to take in the baths nightly if freezing temperatures are likely, and refill them in the morning. There are also birdbath heaters available online or at bird speciality stores that may keep baths from freezing but require access to an electrical main or rely on batteries (which are ineffective in cold weather). Water globes or small water dishes are a good alternative to regular baths during freezing weathers, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, or Appalachian Corridor. 

Placement: Baths should be placed in locations that are safe for the visitors as birds have limited flight abilities while bathing. As with feeders and birdhouses, baths should be placed far enough from shrubs, trees, or tall objects  to allow the birds to see cats, hawks, or other predators. Baths should also be within 3-6m (10-20ft) from protective cover or a tree to allow birds to escape and for preening. Ground-level baths need to be further from cover than pedestal baths as these are even easier for a cat or snake to sneak up on. Baths in vast open areas are less likely to be used and are easy targets for Peregrines, Merlins, Accipiter Sparrowhawks, and other fast predators that can take advantage of vulnerable birds. The best locations include small open spaces within gardens, near patios, small lawns, or in a wooded area with open ground. Baths should also be located in an area where you can easily observe the activity without disturbing the birds, such as by a sitting area or window. 

Users

Same ground level bath with a Brown Thrasher

Birdbaths and water features can attract almost any kind of bird to the garden, although some setups and designs are better than others. The basic water dish, pedestal birdbath, and in-ground basin caters to most songbirds and doves, but the smallest birds will likely ignore them. Likewise, large ponds or pools are less likely to be utilized by small songbirds, even with shallow areas but could bring in a heron, ibis, or other unusual guest. Misters, and fountains attract the most birds but require expensive setups. In the end, it is a good idea to have multiple kinds of water features in the garden including birdbaths at different heights and locations. 

Avian Visitors: Birdbaths attract a long list of birds including many species that do not come to bird tables and are often missed or overlooked in the garden. Migration can bring many visitors to a bath including birds from other regions. Normal water features can attract everything from the tiny Golden Crowned Kinglet (our smallest bird) to the Common Crow and even an occasional hawk. 

Other Visitors: Chipmunks, Grey and Fox Squirrels often visit birdbaths and water features for a drink during the day. Baths closer to the ground may also be visited by marmots, ground squirrels, other rodents, weasels, rabbits, and even visiting wildlife depending on where you live.

Lizards, and insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, and flies also need water and will take advantage of water features or damp surfaces near them.

Pedestal Baths Users: American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, House Sparrow, Common Starling, Eastern Bluebirds,  most blackbirds, Mourning Dove, and numerous others 

Ground-Level: All of the above plus Emberizine Sparrows (Chipping, Field, Song Sparrows, Towhees etc), Brown Thrasher, Blue Jay, many warblers, Wood and Hermit Thrush, Carolina Wren, numerous migratory woodland birds. 

Water Globe: Chickadees, titmice, wrens, warblers, kinglets, hummingbirds, Downy Woodpeckers

Misters: Everyone including hummingbirds, gnatcatchers, flycatchers, chickadees, thrushes, swallows, and even crows