There are many zones that wildlife find home in including the soil, groundcover, shrubs, flowers, and, of course, trees. You find these zones in your yard, and depending on how you enhance these zones, will decide whether your backyard supports wildlife habitats.
Varieties of plants make the best habitats for wildlife. The mixture should include:
- Evergreen plants and trees for year-round cover and shelter
- Fruit or nut-bearing plants and trees provide a food source
- Hardwoods proved shelter and also leaves for ground cover and nesting materials
- Low-lying shrubs and flowers provide cover for smaller, ground-level wildlife
- Plant wildflowers and flowering shrubs to attract butterflies and hummingbirds
- Basking sites made out of a few rocks that warm in the morning sun, can be a welcome invitation to butterflies, turtles, lizards, even ladybugs!!
Use Food Sources to Attract Wildlife You Want
Few yards can supply enough food all year long. By installing feeders and setting out certain foods, you can attract different types of wildlife.
There are many types of bird feeders. Some can hold birdseed and others hold suet. Putting out foods like citrus fruit, chopped apples and bananas, and raisins will also attract certain birds.
Feeder type and placement and the type of food can help deter unwanted species.
All species whether it be birds, butterflies, or deer need a source of water. A shallow dish of water will provide water to wildlife. However, you can purchase decorative bird-baths to accomplish the same.
Seeds and The Birds Who Eat Them:
- Millet- Sparrows, Juncoes, Not well-liked by squirrels
- Thistle- Sparrows, Juncoes, House Finches, Gold Finches, Pine Siskins, Not well-liked by squirrels
- Sunflower- All Birds
- Cracked Corn Kernels- Cardinals, Blue Jays
- Peanuts- Chickadees
The above listed seeds can be blended to attract the birds you want. Mix them with stale breadcrumbs, crushed popcorn, or crushed crackers for filler. You can also purchase general bird seed mixes at local garden centers and animal stores. Suet is also a good food source, but be careful -- it will melt in warm weather.
Trees:
American Beech
American Holly
Black Cherry
Black Gum
Crabapple
Flowering Dogwood
Hawthorns
Hickories
Oaks
Red Mulberry
Shrubs:
Highbush Blueberry
Hollies
Serviceberry
Spicebush
Sumacs
Viburnums
Wax Myrtle
For Hummingbirds, Butterflies, or Bees:
Aster
Azalea
Butterfly Weed
Coneflower
Bee Balm
Cardinal Flower
Columbine
Delphinium
Jewel Weed
Lobelia
Lupine
Penstemon
Phlox
Salvia
