CRITICAL ELEMENTS IN ESTABLISHING A WILDLIFE FRIENDLY BACKYARD

FOOD is the the first thing that comes to mind when we think of ways to help the birds.  Birds need lots of calories to stay warm, and we can help provide that with high fat foods such as black sunflower seeds, nuts, suet and cracked corn.    Both these foods have a very high fat and protein content and birds will flock to both of them.  The TYPE OF FEEDER you use is up to you, but  PLATFORM FEEDERS are very versatile because you can use them for any type of seed and even place suet cakes on them. 

Mixes that contain millet, corn or canary seed are good for attracting ground feeding birds such as juncos, doves and sparrows.  And don't forget the finches.  Goldfinches, redpolls and siskins frequently arrive in large flocks.  They love sunflower seeds, but if you want to give them a real treat, feed them Nyjer seed.  Other choices that birds love would be peanuts, and insect foods such as mealworms or suet. 

SHELTER is also very important.  Cold winter wind saps energy and warmth from birds, especially at night.  A good way to help the birds stay warm is to leave your nesting boxes up all winter.  Stuff dried grasses inside will provide some insulation and the box sill serve s a cozy place for birds to get out of the elements.

ANYTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PUT UP YOUR BIRDHOUSE.   As birds begin to search for a place to make their nest, make sure your bird house is up and ready for their inspection.  Face your bird houses away from winds of spring and summer, if possible.  Place the bird house where there is a nearby tree or bush.  Parent birds may land for a few minutes on this handy perch to survey the area, making sure it is safe to proceed into the house.  They also may sit outside the house at times, watching the area for danger from which to defend the bird house.  Birds can be a bit choosy in their future home.  Some will inspect several houses before deciding on a particular one.  You may wish to give the birds a few to look over in your yard, knowing that only one will be occupied. 

WATER is very important especially in winter.  Natural water sources are often frozen so using a BIRD BATH HEATER or HEATED BIRDBATH is helpful.  Place the bath away from the feeder so that shells and seed are not dropped in the bath.  Cleaning a bird bath otuside in winter is not fun, but still has to be done. 

A complete program to a HEALTHY WILDLIFE HABITAT includes establishing trees, shurbs, vines and flowers that not only produce food but also provide cover.  Many decorative trees and shrubs furnish fruits and berries for birds.  Evergreens offer valuables year round cover from the weather in addition to secluded nesting sites.  To increase the popularity of your feeding station, furnish water preferably year round.  By selecting the right seed for your bird-feeding station and by landscaping with plants that furnish cover and addiitonal food, you can join the 62 million people who invite these colorful and fascinating creatures into their yards.