Wildlife Gardening: Feeding Our Wild Neighbors
Introduction
Wildlife gardening is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature and support our local wildlife. One of the most rewarding aspects of wildlife gardening is feeding the birds and other animals that visit our gardens. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about feeding wildlife, from what to feed them to how to keep your feeders clean and disease-free.
What to Feed Garden Birds and Other Wildlife
The first step to feeding wildlife is to know what they like to eat. Different animals have different dietary needs, so it’s important to do some research to find out what’s best for the wildlife in your area.
Birds: Birds are generally seed-eaters, but they also enjoy fruits, insects, and nectar. Some popular bird foods include:
- Seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and millet are all good choices for birds.
- Fruits: Birds love berries, apples, and oranges. You can also put out dried fruit, such as raisins and cranberries.
- Insects: Birds are natural predators of insects, so they’ll appreciate a meal of mealworms or crickets.
- Nectar: Hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds can be attracted to your garden with a sugar water feeder.
Hedgehogs: Hedgehogs are insectivores, so they primarily eat insects. You can feed hedgehogs in your garden by putting out a dish of mealworms or crickets. You can also leave out cat food or canned dog food, but be sure to remove any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent attracting pests.
Other Wildlife: Other wildlife that may visit your garden includes squirrels, rabbits, and deer. These animals can be fed a variety of foods, such as:
- Squirrels: Squirrels love nuts, seeds, and fruits. You can also put out corn on the cob or peanut butter.
- Rabbits: Rabbits eat a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and vegetables. You can also put out hay or pellets.
- Deer: Deer are herbivores, so they eat a variety of plants. You can attract deer to your garden by planting trees and shrubs that they like to eat, such as oak trees and apple trees.
How to Make Your Own Bird Feeder
Making your own bird feeder is a fun and easy way to save money and attract more birds to your garden. There are many different types of bird feeders that you can make, so you can choose one that fits your budget and style.
One simple way to make a bird feeder is to use a plastic bottle. Cut the bottom off of the bottle and invert the top so that it creates a funnel. Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch or hook.
You can also make a bird feeder out of wood. Cut a piece of wood into a square or rectangle, and then drill a hole in the center. Thread a piece of wire or string through the hole and hang the bird feeder from a tree branch or hook. Fill the bird feeder with birdseed and enjoy watching the birds come to eat.
How to Keep Your Feeders Clean
It’s important to keep your bird feeders clean to prevent the build-up of diseases. Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and mold, which can make birds sick.
To clean your bird feeders, simply wash them with warm soapy water. Rinse the feeders thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before refilling them with birdseed. You should also clean your bird feeders regularly, especially during the summer months when bacteria can grow more quickly.
Growing Natural Food for Wildlife
In addition to putting out feeders, you can also attract wildlife to your garden by growing natural food sources. There are many different plants that you can grow that provide food for birds, hedgehogs, and other wildlife.
Some popular plants for wildlife include:
- Berries: Berries are a great source of food for birds and other wildlife. Some popular berry-producing plants include blueberry bushes, raspberry bushes, and strawberry plants.
- Seeds: Seeds are another important food source for wildlife. Some popular seed-producing plants include sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds.
- Caterpillar food plants: Caterpillars are an important food source for birds, so planting caterpillar food plants in your garden is a great way to attract more birds. Some popular caterpillar food plants include milkweed, parsley, and dill.
By growing natural food sources for wildlife, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that provides food and shelter for our wild neighbors.
Conclusion
Feeding wildlife is a rewarding and enjoyable way to connect with nature and support our local wildlife populations. By following the tips in this article, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that provides food, water, and shelter for the birds and other animals that visit your yard.
