Birds need lots of things to survive, including clean water, clean air, habitat and food.
 
     While some birds do eat seed, most birds depend on insects to sustain themselves and raise their young.
 
     To attract songbirds, the best insects to have around are caterpillars, which feed primarily on tree leaves.  And most of those feed on a few Keystone Species: Oaks, Willows, Cherries, Birch and Maple.
 
     According to Entomologist Doug Tallamy, Oak trees support the most biodiversity of all native plants -- more than 400 caterpillar species. The others support 200 species and up.
 
     Birds also need:
Thickets, where they can hide
Fruit-producing native shrubs like chokeberry, elderberry and winterberry
Water, such as a bird bath, on a pedestal to protect the birds from cats.
A brush pile for shelter in extreme weather.
Fallen leaves underneath trees and shrubs to create habitat for earthworms, insects and spiders -- a cafeteria for your songbirds.
Native grasses in place of lawn to provide seed and cover for birds.
     1st photo: Matt Degnan