So glad you appreciate the PlantersPlace site! If your main goal is to attract birds to your property then you are in luck because the native plants that the local birds love and need are able to adjust to the deep shade, dry summer soil you describe. Local nurseries are now selling such native plants as the beautiful Mahonia or Oregon Grape (birds need the berries) the evergreen huckleberry and the deciduous huckleberry plus the salal that stays low to block out weeds but offers flowers and fruit for the birds. For more spring color look towards the bulbs. The dwarf daffodils and crocus and the hellebores will all survive in shade and dry summer soil. Another idea is to add some large containers that sit on top of the soil and fill with shade tolerant plants such as lobelia, begonias, impatience and the heucheras  or our native coral bells. You will need to water these containers in the summer but if the pots are filled with potting soil and mulched well the watering will be minimal. Fallen logs, shallow water and fallen leaves are also ways to attract birds to this area. I think the native sword ferns would do well but not the thirsty ferns such as the maidenhair ferns and also be careful when adding a rhododendron to dry shade. The rhodie may survive but with little sun it will get few blooms and with a lack of summer moisture your rhododendrons and azaleas will never perform well. Sounds like you have a fun project ahead of you so Keep Growing, Marianne Binetti