The last of the flowers are gone from the garden, but if you think nothing interesting is left, look closer. Birds and other animals have been there all the time entertaining you with colorful antics, and you haven't noticed. study the hundreds of animal species that visit your yard on a regular basis. you can make your garden vibrant by attracting wildlife, and you may be helping the animals as they walk a tightrope of survival. simply provide the three things they need: food, shelter and water.

Food
First decide what you'd like to attract, study the preferences of that species and provide them what they need. Whether you plant what they like and let them forage, or hang feeders filled with seed, you are sure to draw them near.
Natural plantings can be food- When you plan, and plant a garden to attract wildlife, you will have a garden that provides winter interest also. The seed pods, fruit trees, ornamental grasses, and bright, succulent berries that give an animal quick usable energy are the very items that provide winter gardens with texture and color. The plants listed to the right attract birds and mammals because they have fruit, berries, nectar, cones, or seeds.
Trees - Ash, Cherry, Cottonwood, Crabapple, Hackberry, Hawthorn, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Evergreen Trees - Juniper, pine, Red Cedar, Spruce
Shrubs - Chokecherry, Cotoneaster, Dogwood, elderberry, Honeysuckle, Serviceberry, Sumac, viburnums
Flowers - Sunflowers, asters, Black-eyed Susan, purple Coneflower, Butterfly Weed, Clovers, goldenrod, Blazing Star, phlox, Bee Balm, Ironweed, Columbine

Shelter
Providing shelter keeps birds and animals safe from predators, protects them from the weather, and encourages nesting. creating natural shelter may be easier than you think if you follow some basic principles.
Plant a diverse variety of native vegetation- Plants that are native to an area have adapted to local weather and soil conditions, thus requiring less fertilizer, pesticide and fungicides. all of these chemicals can harm insects, which in turn can be harmful to birds and wildlife. The more plant variety, the more types of wildlife you will attract. evergreen trees should be included in your plantings because they provide much needed shelter during the winter when the leaves are off deciduous trees.
Limit the amount of lawn- Groomed lawns provide virtually no shelter from predators. By simply not mowing an area of lawn, you will provide shelter and eventually food.
Increase vertical layering- Lawn and canopy trees are lovely, but will not attract wildlife. a layered landscape that includes groundcovers, climbing vines, and shrubs can create dense vegetation from the ground all the way up to the treetops. This type of landscaping will be more interesting for humans, and will provide a safe and versatile habitat for birds and animals.
Keep brush piles and dead trees whenever possible- Unless there is a safety threat, don't be so quick with your saw. Dead trees are excellent sources of both shelter and food. Some species of birds (woodpeckers) will only use cavities that they hollow themselves.
Provide artificial shelter- In the absence of large trees, nesting boxes, bird and bat houses are acceptable alternatives. Many species of birds including owls, bluebirds, wrens, and martins will eagerly use a ready made "house." Small mammals will move into empty houses if the entry hole is large enough.

Try these gift ideas for the wildlife lover you know
Bird Identification books
FeedersElectric Water Heaters for birdbaths

Selecting Feeders:
Select feeders of different types and mount them approximately 15 feet away from vegetation. As you set up feeding stations remember to:

• Set them up where they can easily be seen and enjoyed
  
• Clean your feeders regularly and wash your hands after cleaning or filling your feeders
  
• Keep seed clean and dry so it doesn't mold
  
• Keep feeders filled; if feeding is interrupted during winter, animals will look for a different source of food
  

To ensure animals will continue to visit your feeding station on a permanent basis, grow their habitat with enough diversity so they can find food, shelter and water.

Water
Water is an essential ingredient in wildlife habitats, and any source of water will do. Lakes and ponds are beautiful to look at and host a myriad of wildlife possibilities. Birdbaths, or a dish of fresh water, can supply water and be placed where it is convenient to watch the bath time frolicking.

Birds need water in winter too. An immersion heater is essential in a birdbath during freezing weather.

If you find winter a bleak and unattractive time of year for your garden, attract wildlife and be delighted!

You Should Know

• Be aware that you may attract "nuisance" wildlife too. Species that you hadn't anticipated may show up, and could include predators such as hawks
• Wildlife feeding can result in spreading diseases and parasites if feeders are not cleaned regularly and feed is not fresh
• Animals that visit your feeders are wild, don't touch them
• The department of Fish and Wildlife does not encourage feeding of deer
• Pets are predators; keep the cat and dog away from feeding stations  

You can make a gift for the birds and your friends by making this recipe for Suet Cake
1 cup ground suet
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2-3 cups yellow corn meal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1. Melt suet in saucepan.
2. Add peanut butter, stirring until melted and blended.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.
4. When the suet/peanut butter mix has cooled and begins to thicken, add the dry ingredients and blend thoroughly.
5. Stuff mixture into a pine cone or form into cake pans or muffin tins for use in suet feeders.
   

By Barb Cross