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The restoration and maintenance of habitat is vital for wild birds and other varieties
of wildlife due to commercial and residential infringement on their natural areas.
Humans are good at building places for us to live but we usually don't give much thought to creating
wildlife habitat (places where humans can live in harmony with our animal and
bird friends).
It is up to us to restore and create appealing and functional natural areas for birds and
other wildlife to thrive. It's easy to create your own backyard habitat! All
you need to do is provide these basic elements which are vital to our animal
friends:
1 - Food
Plant shrubs, flowers, and trees that produce seeds, fruits and nuts throughout the year.
Plant nectar-producing plants for hummingbirds and butterflies. Birdfeeders should be
filled with seed, suet or nectar.
2 - Water
Water is one of the most important things to have in a successful backyard habitat. Offer several
different sources of water to the birds and animals. A bird bath or water dish placed at ground level or a small,
clean pond will provide the water necessary for drinking and bathing. This water will
also offer an aquatic habitat for dragonflies, frogs and other aquatic life.
3 - Shelter
Shelter will change your yard and garden from a place where birds visit to a place where they live. Plant evergreen trees and shrubs that provide cover year round from weather and predators. Deciduous trees,
winter flowers, and shrubs can offer excellent nesting sites and roosting areas.
Wild birds need
an area where they can feel safe and receive safe haven from predators. Birdhouses
make an attractive and functional addition to any lawn or garden. Rocks, logs and
piles of mulch offer effective cover for small animals such as chipmunks, box
turtles, and insects. Allowing a dead or decaying tree stump to lie in your yard can act as a
very good source of both food and shelter for many small creatures.
4 - Places to raise their young
As we have cleared natural habitat for development, we have drastically
diminished the number of valuable nesting sites for birds. Bluebirds, purple martins and woodpeckers are struggling
to find adequate nesting sites. But we have the power to help them bounce back.
Provide functional birdhouses for wild
birds to use and you will help them out and provide for years of enjoyment for
yourself. And, of course, don't forget to provide bird feed
and water the birds!
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