Native plants are well-adapted to local soils and climates and require less water, fertilizer and pest control. The also offer the best overall food sources, and birds will help to disperse their seeds. Evergreen trees, shrubs and thick brush piles provide good cover. Map your yard on graph paper, and have your soil tested, before you change the landscape. Reduce the size of your lawn.
Lawns are of little use to wildlife and they require extra water, fertilizer and pesticides.
Cluster plants, taking into account their full-grown size and need for light. Value trees, including some dead trees, and take a long-range view. Some small, quickly accomplished projects such as adding a bird bath to the garden will make a big difference, but landscaping for wildlife can become a rewarding, life-long project. These sources will help you plan a garden for migratory birds. Alfred A. Knopf.