Feeding the backyard birds has become a very popular hobby and rewarding experience. You may be able to do more if you live in a location conducive to planting trees or shrubs offering natural foods.

I spent 12 years living in Lehighton, and our Iron Street location didn’t lend itself to planting for wildlife. I will admit that our move from a rather rural East Weissport made it more conducive to getting to and from athletic practices and school programs, but I was disappointed with “leaving the sticks” to becoming a “townie.”

The bird feeders did follow our move, and surprisingly I was able to feed many of the same species found in my more rural yard. I’m not trying to discourage your feeding efforts, yet you may be able to do more if you have enough room to plant of few of my suggestions.

I have found that the ornamental crabapples are surprisingly very helpful to many species. If you can plant two or three of these trees they will benefit birds and mammals. Try to find nursery stock that is already 3 to 4 feet in size, and with proper fertilizing and watering, these trees in about four years will be producing beautiful, fragrant flowers in spring (attracting many bees) and in fall and winter, the drying fruit will feed many birds. Mockingbirds, bluebirds, robins and cedar waxwings savor the fruits clinging on through the coldest winter months. Bradford pear species also hold small round fruits into winter. They attract the same species as the apples.

Chinese chestnuts, introduced here to replace our native American chestnuts, are excellent game foods as well. Squirrels, turkeys, deer and bear relish the nuts. They are so tasty that squirrels from far and wide will visit. (You’ll enjoy roasting chestnuts too.)

If looking to plant a shade tree, consider a pin oak. The smaller acorns will feed blue jays for weeks in the autumn, while the new leaves in spring host many small caterpillars the warblers/vireos love. The sturdy limbs offer great nesting spots for birds, too.

Persimmons, generally a southern species, are great for wildlife. The fruit (golf ball size), like crabapples, clings on the trees into winter. (Great for robins, bluebirds, turkey, pileated woodpeckers, deer.) Planting two though ensures pollination. (Go online to see many persimmon recipes you can also use.)

For the hummingbird enthusiasts, gladiolas are hummingbird magnets, but if you have limited gardening space, planting a trumpet vine will offer up great nectar sources for hummingbirds, possibly growing next to your patio.

Consider planting for wildlife, for your enjoyment and the animals’ benefit.

Test your outdoor knowledge: The ______ crane may make an occasional appearance in the Times News region. A. sandhill, B. whooping, C. common.

Last Week’s Trivia Answer: Black bears are omnivores, eating plants and meat. It may surprise you the majority of their diet is plants.

Contact Barry Reed at breed71@gmail.com.