5
glamorous, but both elements
are necessary for birds and will
be appreciated.
Always be sure to provide a
tree within 5' to 15' of a house
or feeder so that the birds can
escape predators. To cut down
on annoying flying insects, add
a bat house to your plan. These
flying mammals consume huge
numbers of mosquitoes.
Along one side of the plan
are features that you might
not see in the typical suburban
yard, but which will definitely
enhance the wildlife-friendly
habitat.
More than 40 species of
birds and 20 kinds of animals
make use of dead trees
(snags) which are becoming
more and more scarce as
natural areas get developed.
If you have some on your
property, leave them. If they
represent a danger to people
or a building, move them to a
safer location.
Making room for a brush pile
and a rock pile, as well as a
stack of logs, will provide cover
all year long for many small
animals. You can keep these
shelters at the edge of your
property, shielded by attractive
vegetation.
Must Have Water
Water is necessary for all
wildlife, and there are many
ways to provide it.
Birdbaths are easy and
decorative accents, and
especially useful if they are
heated in winter when many
natural water sources are
frozen.
Small ponds will attract a
variety of creatures, and should
have rocks and shallow spots
for resting and sunning safely.
Deeper parts of a pond allow
you to grow water plants.
Moving water, whether from a
fountain or simple drip system,
is the most attractive to
wildlife.
This article was written by Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat Naturalist
Cathy Gilleland.
For more information or for the name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area, please contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, Maryland 21773
Phone: (301) 293-3351
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
http://www.windstar.org
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a national, non-profit, conservation
organization whose mission is to help individuals and families establish or
improve the wildlife habitat on their properties.
