Creating a backyard oasis that mimics the wilderness is the goal of many
wildlife enthusiasts. While others put up fences, sprinkle poisons
or chemical deterrents, these people want to attract birds, critters,
and even deer to their gardens. This article will give some tips on both
attracting and living with the wildlife in your yard and garden.
Attract Birds to Your Yard and Garden
The number one way to attract birds to your yard and garden is by
providing seeds for them to eat. Birds seem to have some secret
communication. Once one bird finds your birdfeeder or scattered seeds,
more and more come to your yard.
If you do not want to purchase
birdfeed and hang a feeder, you can attract birds of various types by
planting different plants. Sunflowers will attract many birds, as will
coneflower, and thistle plants.
Birds also need places for
shelter and nesting. Evergreen trees and bushes will provide year-round
safety. Birds are more apt to stay in your yard and garden if you
provide places to roost.
Attract Critters to Your Yard and Garden
If you want to attract rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small
critters to your yard, you must provide food, shelter, and water. A
water garden or pond will attract many types of wildlife. A short tray
of water or ground-level birdbath will do fine as well.
Birdfeeders will attract squirrels and chipmunks as well. Squirrels need
a network of tall trees to live in and travel, while chipmunks would
prefer some safe hiding spots on the ground.
Instead of using
poisonous fertilizers and pesticides on your yard, let the dandelions
and clover grown. Rabbits love to munch on these.
Attract Deer to Your Yard and Garden
Deer can do a lot of damage to flower and vegetable gardens, so be
sure you can deal with that before enticing them into your yard. Of
course, if deer do not live in your area due to lack of habitat like
woods, you will not get any in your yard. If you live near major
roadways, it is probably better to not try to entice them, as the danger
of accidents and death will increase.
Deer can be attracted to
your yard and garden with an abundance of plants and some cover such as
shrubbery and trees. Scattering cracked corn on the ground, or laying
out ears of corn are great ways to attract wildlife.
If you wish
to attract wildlife to your yard and garden, you must be prepared for
what you will receive. Certain habitats can entice birds, small animals,
and deer to your yard. You must learn how to live peacefully with them
to truly enjoy their company.
