Greg's Best Shrubs for Migrating Birds

These shrubs offer a double advantage for wildlife, especially for migrating birds; not only can they be found in all four corners of Ohio, but all bear fruit sought after by birds. These shrubs offer persistent fruit, lasting well into or completely through the winter months, so migrators have vital nourishment at both ends of their journey.

Migrating birds usually fly through the entire night, before resting after daybreak. After a twelve-hour flight, birds typically lose 40% or more of their body weight, so fatty food availability is an absolute necessity. Native fats are the primary food type needed for migration and the winter season. Recent scientific studies have also clearly shown that not only do native birds prefer native plants, but that alien plants’ fruits are low in fat content compared to native plants. Another problem with non-native plant berries is the content of non-digestible foreign plant chemicals, which may well cause weight loss during a period when weight gain is paramount.
In addition to Ohio’s own migrators, many northerly birds also choose our state as part of their North-South routes. In both cases, all East-West areas of our state are covered by various routes, again rendering the “four corners” plants vital for their fruit and cover. (The concept of birds nesting high in trees is mistaken, and the low cover offered by shrubs is usually much preferred)