Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat

Originally published in Canton Daily Ledger Column on March 13, 2004

Indigo bunting and Cedar Waxwings

This week I witnessed an amazing sight. Our garden pond had 12 waxwings, 3 robins, and a mockingbird all drinking from it at the same time. We located the garden pond so that it is easily was viewed from the window above the kitchen sink and it is always giving us surprises. Since this is one of the only water sources in the area, it is frequented by a large variety of birds. My husband even saw Scarlet Tanagers last summer, which rarely make an appearance.

Did you know that birding is one of the most popular pastimes for Americans? Birding can be simple or elaborate. Most people simply watch birds in their own yard, while others plan whole vacations around a good birding location. To attract birds to your yard, follow these tips provided by Robert Frazee, Educator in Natural Resource Management in the East Peoria Extension Center.

Wildlife needs food, water, cover and space. Every wildlife species has its own preferences and requirements for each of these elements. You might not be able to provide everything on your property, but the neighborhood might.

Consider plant components for your yard. Evergreens provide shelter from the weather and predators. Spruce, cedar, pine and other conifers also provide excellent nesting cover and are important in the winter to provide privacy all year.

Grasses and legumes also provide cover, food and habitat for ground-nesting birds. Ornamental grasses, native wildflowers, clovers or unmown areas of your yard will serve well.

Woody plants that provide cover and food for birds include American cranberry viburnum, elderberry, hawthorns, crabapples, dogwood and mountain ash.

In addition to plants, consider non-living components, which can be as important as plants in providing good habitat for wildlife. In some instances, they are very easy to incorporate into your landscape. Examples include nest boxes, dead or fallen trees, brush or rock piles, dust or grit, salt, water and finally feeders.

Originally adapted from article by Bob Frazee, University of Illinois Extension Retired Natural Resources Management Educator