In this episode, Hanna and Sarah welcome Jason “the Bird Nerd” to talk about how gardeners can make their yards more welcoming to birds. From native plants and insect habitat to brush piles, feeders, and even light pollution, the conversation explores how a healthy garden ecosystem naturally supports birds.
The big takeaway: if you garden for insects and native plants, you’re already gardening for birds. Birds rely heavily on insects—especially when raising young—so creating habitat that supports the entire food web is the most effective way to invite birds into your landscape.
Jason St. Sauver joins us from the Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton Nebraska (just southwest of Lincoln).
Plants Mentioned
Asclepias tuberosa — Butterfly milkweed
Carex spp. — Sedges
Cirsium spp. — Native thistles
Helleborus spp. — Lenten Rose
Hibiscus spp. — Hibiscus
Lobelia cardinalis — Cardinal flower
Penstemon spp. — Penstemon
Pulsatilla patens — Pasque flower
Rosa spp. — Rose (mentioned in passing via hips discussion context)
Sambucus canadensis — American elderberry
Solidago spp. — Goldenrod
Taraxacum officinale — Dandelion
Salix discolor — Pussy willow
Birds Mentioned
American Goldfinch
Baltimore Oriole
Blackpoll Warbler
Blue Jay
Cardinal
Cedar Waxwing
Chickadee
Common Nighthawk
Dark-eyed Junco
Downy Woodpecker
Great Horned Owl
Grackle
House Finch
Nuthatch
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-winged Blackbird
Robin
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Tree Swallow
Wren
Links:
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