Attracting Wildlife to Your YardA year ago, the COVID pandemic descended upon us and turned the world upside down. It's spring again, a time for new beginnings and hope for a better tomorrow.
Although the COVID vaccines bring the promise of a return to life as we knew it, there is still quite a way to go. Since we will be staying close to home for a while longer, what better time to think about how you might attract wildlife to your yard or patio?
True, you might not want coyotes or deer coming to your back door, but other species are beneficial to have around, including skunks and opossums. Skunks will eat rats, mice, moles, gophers, beetles, grasshoppers, yellow jackets, spiders, black widows, cockroaches, and snails. Opossums can be beneficial for your garden, helping to eliminate snails, slugs, insects, and sometimes even small rodents that may threaten your plants. You probably don't want to get up close and personal with these guys, but since they are nocturnal the chances of you meeting them are slim. They also have a wide-ranging territory and don't stay in one place for long. Unless there is a large population, it is best to let skunks and opossums enjoy those critters you don't want around your house or garden. Here are some tips to help you provide a friendly place for the wildlife you do want to watch as you enjoy life outside:
Provide a source of water. All animals need water to survive. Keeping a birdbath, fountain or small pond in your yard is a great first step to attracting wildlife. If you don't have the space for something elaborate, a bowl of water on your patio will suffice. Be sure to keep the water fresh, changing it often, and if possible, put it in a shady spot.
Offer birdseed and other food. You can also hang a bird feeder to feed the birds in your yard. If possible, use a high-quality, non-commercial seed. Choose food that is suitable for the birds in your area. Birds will become dependent on your feeder, especially in winter, so aim to feed them on a regular schedule and try not to abruptly stop feeding them. For hummingbird feeders, it is best to use a homemade mix of sugar water. Mix one part sugar to four parts water and be sure to change it frequently. If you want to attract specific species, consult an ornithologist or a knowledgeable person at your local birdseed store And of course, there is always the Internet. 
Enlist butterflies. Butterflies are another welcome addition to your yard. There are many plants that attract butterflies. Helping them is important since many natural butterfly habitats have been lost to human activities like building homes, roads, and farms. Some plants to consider are blue cardinal flower, bloodflower, Brazilian verbena, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, garlic, chives, and common milkweed. Thistle, hollyhock, and sunflower are among the plants that will provide food for caterpillars on their journey to becoming butterflies. Monarch butterfly caterpillars need common milkweed to grow. If you can't find it at your local garden shop it can be purchased online, either as a plant or seeds. These are only a few of the things you can do to attract some entertaining wildlife to your yard. If you have the time, space, and interest you might want to consider a bee garden or building a bat house. A birdhouse can also be a welcome addition. There are many things you can do to bring frogs to your yard or even attract beneficial insects. The possibilities are limitless. It's spring! Make a plan and get outside! For more information go to http://www.humanedecisions.com/40-ways-to-help-wildlife-in-your-backyard/ |
se plants to attract birds. Many plants will attract birds to your yard. Zinnias, sunflowers, purple coneflowers, and snapdragons are some common plants that birds feed on. Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that have nectar for them to drink. Trumpet vine, columbine, jewelweed, native phlox, native honeysuckle, and cardinal flower are some good choices to attract hummingbirds.