When I am choosing a new plant, tree or shrub for our yard I always consider the following questions: will it look good for more than one season, will the foliage and/or flower color work against our house colors, and does it attract birds. I am a huge bird watcher and lover, so that last question is a big one for me.

When we moved into our home about 10 years ago, I deliberately planted viburnum bushes very close to our dining room windows because I knew its berries would attract birds and I wanted to be able to see all of the action from inside of our home. Today was a particularly active day; the birds were in and out of the bushes for several hours and even a few chipmunks were jumping from branch to branch, stuffing their cheeks with more than their fair share of berries. I thought I would show you some of the photos from today (I shot these through a glass window, so they aren’t too sharp)…

Birds cannot resist these berries.

Robins are the biggest fans.

Chipmunks are the biggest gluttons!

The kids love to watch their daring moves.

By doing some quick research before you head out to your local garden center, you can find plants that will bring a little bit more joy into your home.

The kids sit by the window and watch from only a few inches away.

Be sure to keep your camera nearby – the action is quick.

It all happened right outside of our window.