It's a bright, cheery Saturday morning and the children are itching to explore the natural world, peer into a bird's nest, or catch butterflies. With a little effort and a few strategically placed elements, you can transform your yard into a wildlife habitat that can provide hours of education and enjoyment, as well as a haven for birds and mammals. Just make sure you provide the basics, then get out your camera, bird book, and log to begin tracking your wild guests. Providing a dependable water source takes effort, especially in the heat of the summer, but the results are worthwhile when a family of cardinals or migrating butterflies discover that your yard can be counted on for cool refreshment.
Cover protects wildlife from weather and predators, and becomes a site for nesting.
Even a small yard can contain nesting and roosting boxes for birds, bats, and squirrels, which can be built from simple instructions and a minimum of material or purchased from your local hardware store. It might take some strategic planning to make your yard the ideal feeding trough for wildlife, especially if you seek year-round visitors. Your best bet is to mix your plants to provide a variety of nuts, berries, and cover sources. For the Birds You may decide to concentrate on one aspect of wildlife, which can simplify your habitat plans. If your main objective is to attract butterflies or hummingbirds, the aptly named butterfly bush is a natural choice.