May has arrived, and that means it’s time to celebrate Nebraska Bird Month! From blooming flowers to the vibrant songs of our local birds, there’s no better time to show your love for nature—and all the feathered friends that make Nebraska so special. One of the best ways to support birds in your own yard is by planting bird-friendly native trees and shrubs, which offer essential food, shelter, and nesting sites.
Several of us here at the nursery are joining the fun by participating in the Nebraska Birding Bowl! If you haven’t heard about the Birding Bowl yet, it’s a statewide event returning for its third year. This joint project of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Audubon Great Plains, and the Wild Bird Habitat Store challenges participants to spot as many bird species as possible throughout May. It’s an excellent opportunity to get outside and connect with nature while learning about our local bird populations.
Join the Nebraska Birding Bowl
The Nebraska Birding Bowl is open to all ages and experience levels, and the goal is simple: see how many bird species you can spot across Nebraska! Whether you are hiking a local trail or sipping coffee on your porch, every bird sighting counts! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and see how many species you can spot this month. Plus, as you prepare for your birding adventures, consider how you can create a bird-friendly garden. Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers that will provide food, shelter, and nesting sites encourages more feathered friends to visit your yard. It is the best way to support local bird populations!
👉 Ready to get started? Register for the Birding Bowl here and start logging your sightings!
Why May Is Critical for Birds—and the Role of Native Trees and Shrubs
May is one of Nebraska’s best times to observe birds. Many migratory species return from their wintering grounds and pass through the state on their way north! You’ll see familiar summer residents like the Baltimore Oriole and rarer visitors if you’re lucky! And while birdwatching is a great way to connect with nature, planting for the birds is one of the most effective ways to support their survival. Many birds rely on native trees and shrubs for food, nesting materials, and shelter, especially during breeding season.
How to Create Bird-Friendly Habitat with Native Trees and Shrubs
Creating a bird-friendly landscape doesn’t require acres of land—just a thoughtful selection of trees, shrubs, and native plants that serve birds’ basic needs. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Plant natives! Native plants support native insects, which are essential food for baby birds.
- Plant layers! Together, trees, shrubs, and groundcovers mimic natural habitats and attract more species.
- Provide food and water. Berries, nectar, seeds, and a birdbath can make your yard irresistible to birds.
- Be mindful of pesticide use. Many birds feed their young with insects—limiting chemical use is better for all.
Want ideas for which plants to choose? We’ll share our top tree and shrub picks in upcoming blog posts!
Don’t Miss What’s Next
This post kicks off our Nebraska Bird Month Blog Series! Stay tuned for:
- Trees That Birds Love
- Shrubs That Bring the Birds
- Fruit Trees & Feathered Visitors: How to Attract—or Deter—Birds in Your Orchard
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, gardener, or both, we’re here to help you grow a beautiful, beneficial landscape bursting with life. In the meantime, take a look back at our post on
👉 Native Trees and Versatile Evergreens: A Naturalized Approach to Regional Landscapes
You’ll discover how these resilient trees not only shape your landscape year-round but also play a vital role in winter bird survival, offering much-needed food and shelter during the toughest months.
