Creating Bird Habitat
Creating Bird Habitat
There are many benefits to creating bird habitat in your yard. Most birds eat insects, including the harmful ones. Many birds have beautiful songs that please the ear and soothe the spirit. It is easy to create an inviting habitat and doesn't have to strain your pocketbook.
Hang bird feeders but be careful to place them at least 15 feet from the house and nearly as far from predator cover. Buy seed that attracts the kinds of birds you want to see in your yard.
Plant native species that provide seeds, nuts or fruit to feed birds and provide shelter.
Supply water. Birdbaths should be cleaned regularly but avoid chemical cleaners. Vinegar and water are great for keeping bird baths sparkling. Special heaters can keep the water flowing during cold winter months.
Put up nesting boxes around the yard. The boxes provide a safe place for birds to build nests during their mating season. Nesting birds in Plymouth include House Wrens, Chickadees, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Song Sparrows, Finches, and Indigo Buntings.
Keep cats indoors. House cats (even de-clawed) will kill birds. It is a basic instinct that no amount of food or pampering can dampen.
An important part of creating a safe habitat for birds is ensuring the removal of invasive species. There are many non-native plants in our state that without natural controls can overrun native species. There is information available to help citizens identify and remove invasive species at the Wisconsin DNR website. After removing the invasive plants, consider planting native species to attract birds and other pollinators to your yard.