1 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

side of a building or pole to catch the sun's rays during the day.

Nesting sites
Many animals, birds especially, claim territory around nesting sites. A wide array of nesting options helps make your yard more attractive to wildlife, and gives you the opportunity of observing wild animals raising their young.

Bird houses often attract cavity-nesting birds such as chickadees, bluebirds, wrens, and small owls. Many bird house plans for different birds can be found on the internet. Some birds prefer platform-style nesting boxes. If you have a small wood lot, consider leaving a dead snag or two, if it won't pose a hazard. Dead trees are often excavated by woodpeckers for nests, and provide roosts for other birds. Nesting boxes can also be built for squirrels.

Aquatic animals, including amphibians, fish, and aquatic insects, need year-around ponds that are deep enough that at least some water remains unfrozen all year. Dragonflies need an active pond community for their young to hunt in, so don't be quick to keep the pond water sparkling clean. Allow some debris to build up on the bottom, and provide emergent vegetation, such as reeds or rushes, for the nymphs to crawl up on when they are ready to become adults.

Butterflies lay their eggs on specific plants that their larvae will eat. Native plants in the yard, especially sun-loving shrubs, often attract butterflies. Avoid pesticides in the yard and keep an eye out for caterpillars that will, of course, eat the leaves on the shrubs or other plants that you provide. Other useful larval plants are those in the carrot family (such as carrot, dill, anise, or angelica) and the aster family (daisies, asters, liatris, sunflowers, and others).

Now, take a tour of your own yard. Try to look at it from the viewpoint of birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Consider whether they could find food, water, cover, and nesting sites in your yard. What changes can you make to provide these four essential elements and bring more wildlife to your yard?

Learn more about this author, Karen Bledsoe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about How to attract wildlife in your garden?
We want to hear your view. Write now!