In one of our previous posts, we learned that there are more birders than baptists. Guess where some live? That's right, in our backyards! So why not welcome these musical guests by setting up a wildlife friendly backyard and who knows--they might just dress you in the morning (Cinderella anyone?).

Here are a few tips from the National Wildlife Federation:

• Provide water year-round - A simple birdbath is a great start. Change water every 2-3 days in summer and use a heater in the winter. Place the water container about 10 feet from dense shrubs or other cover that predators may use.

• Install native plants - Select a variety of native plants to offer year-round food in the form of seeds, berries, nuts, and nectar. Try to recreate the plant ecosystem native to your area. Evergreen trees and shrubs provide excellent cover through all seasons, if they are part of your local ecosystem. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has lists of recommended native plants by egion and state.

• Eliminate insecticides in your yard - Insects are the primary source of food for many bird species and are an important source of protein and fats for growing juvenile birds.

• Keep dead trees - Dead trees provide cavity-dwelling places for birds to raise young and as a source to collect insects for food. Many species will also seek shelter from bad weather inside these hollowed out trees.

• Put out nesting boxes - Make sure the boxes have ventilation holes at the top and drainage holes below. Do not use a box with a perch, as house sparrows are known to sit on a nesting box perch and peck at other birds using the nesting box. Be sure to monitor the boxes for invasive animal species known to harm or outcompete native species. Check out more information about invasive species

• Build a brush pile in a corner of your yard - Start with larger logs and top with smaller branches. Some birds will hunt, roost or even nest in brush piles.

• Offer food in feeders - Bird feeders are great sources of supplemental food during times of food scarcity, and also enhance bird viewing opportunities.

• Remove invasive plants from your wildlife habitat - Many invasive plants outcompete the native species favored by birds, insects and other wildlife. Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension System office for information on plant species to avoid. Find your local Cooperative Extension System office.

• Reduce your lawn area - Lawns have little value to birds or other wildlife, and they require more energy for mowing, applying fertilizers and watering.


If you've already done these tips and would like to display your beautiful, wildlife-friendly backyard, please email me at brigidad@nwf.org. I'm hoping to post about them around springtime for inspiration.