When the crisp autumn chill fills the air, many local and migrating songbirds that rely on the abundant insects for their spring and summer diets must switch to fleshy fruits produced by native trees and shrubs. The fall food menu for many birds includes the berries of dogwoods.

There are several shrub varieties of dogwoods common throughout the state that provide valuable food and cover for wildlife. The gray dogwood provides dense cover for nesting and concealment from predators; it also produced white berries. Red-osier dogwood, known for its bright red twigs that stand out in the winter snow, produces white berries that are sought after by birds. The bluish berry clusters of the silky dogwood are relished by migrating birds. The red berries of the flowering dogwood are usually eaten as they ripen, but sometimes persist on the twig throughout fall.

Are dogwoods a part of the landscape around your home? If not, think about planting some for the benefit of the wildlife that use your yard throughout the year, as well as to provide food and cover for the songbirds that may be traveling through on their journey south.

If you're interested in learning more about making your yard attractive to wildlife, join the Urban Wildlife Program's Backyard Habitat Certification Project. As a participant, you'll receive a booklet entitled Enhancing Your Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, a notebook with habitat information sheets and an application form. Upon completion of the application, you will be sent a personalized certificate. To receive the certification packet, send a check or money order for $15.00 to the Urban Wildlife Program, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013.