Creating A Backyard Wildlife Habitat

     Creating a backyard wildlife habitat to attract different kinds of birds and other wildlife is a very rewarding experience. It's also a very easy thing to do. When considering how to attract wildlife you need to develop a plan that includes all or some of the four basic habitat elements  food, water, cover and places to raise young.

     Food  Use a variety of feeders and food to attract different kinds of birds. Seed dispensing birdfeeders are the most common. Special nectar feeders are available for hummingbirds and butterflies. Other feeders can be found for fruit, corn, peanuts and suet.

     Use native perennials and berry producing trees and bushes favoured by birds, butterflies and bees. They are hardier and require fewer chemicals.

     Water  Provide water by adding a birdbath or installing a small pond. A small fountain will add the sound of running water and increases the birds' activity. Heaters added to birdbaths in winter ensure  year round supply of water.

     Cover  Many of the same trees and shrubs used for food also provide excellent cover. A small brush pile of pruned branches in a corner of your yard can provide cover for the birds or an over wintering spot for many insects or moths.

     Places to raise young   The most obvious of these is a birdhouse. However, did you realize that boxes exist for bats, and even butterflies? For birds that don't use a birdhouse, trees and shrubs are the favoured spot.

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