Water Sources
Probably the single most important item to be considered. We moved to the “Walking Acres” almost 20 years ago. It was a fairly quiet place, you did not see or hear birds. Over time we created several small ponds and one large pond and a bog. Birds and many amphibians are abundant now. Hawks and Herons come for food, bats hunt over them and during dry periods you see more uncommon visitors. It is great to realize, we have become an important part of the food chain for a lot of animals.
What is a Backyard Wildlife Habitat?
It is the use of plants, water and shelter that makes it possible for our wild friends to co-exist with us. You may put in a butterfly garden or you may put in a pond or a fountain for birds. You may want to encourage snakes and frogs or foxes and deer. Whatever the wildlife you are trying to attract, it is necessary to provide them the basic comforts of life. Food sources are furnished by careful selection of plants that each species needs to survive. A source of water is needed for all animals and a safe retreat when they feel threatened. Research the wildlife in your area and determine what you want to co-exist with. And be sure to make your habitat in a place where you can view your new neighbors for hours of joyful critter watching! For guidelines go to the links below.
Places to Live and Raise Young.
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Click image to enlarge
This dead sweet gum tree served many generations of birds as a home. Not everybody can afford to leave a tree standing, but the scale does not matter. Leave some part of your property unattended.
Consider building bird boxes, but choose location careful and educate yourself on requirements for certain birds.
Don’t bush hog were you don’t need to. Convert some of your yard in something that resembles a meadow, adding bio diversity.
Toads and many other animals mate in a water feature or need water to mature. Toads eat tons of mosquitos. Once the toads pass the stage of tadpole, they leave the water.
Consider building bird boxes, but choose location careful and educate yourself on requirements for certain birds.
Don’t bush hog were you don’t need to. Convert some of your yard in something that resembles a meadow, adding bio diversity.
Toads and many other animals mate in a water feature or need water to mature. Toads eat tons of mosquitos. Once the toads pass the stage of tadpole, they leave the water.
Food Sources
If you want to promote native wildlife, may it be butterflies, birds or aquatic species, you need to provide the appropriate food sources. Look for native plants, they have proven resistance to pests and diseases, you will not have to use insecticides etc. Butterflies need specific Host Plants for the caterpillar phase. Birds need seeds from flowers, flowering bushes and trees (dogwood, lespedeza, hyssop, nandina etc.) squirrels need nuts and ace horns, but eat plums and peaches, and many others. Feeders are good for bad times or snacks. By minimizing pesticides and insecticides , you will be able to provide Beneficial Insects (predators/parasites) the food they need and keeps a healthy balance in your garden. Most Flowering Herbs are a great source of nectar and pollen to a large variety of insects. When you purchase new plants at the nursery look for those visited by insects.
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