The mourning cloak butterfly, for example, overwinters as an adult in woody debris and may use your brush pile as well. Many butterfly species and other insects, like ladybird beetles, will lay their eggs or overwinter, sometimes as pupae, in brush piles. Fallen leaves can also be used as mulch to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures, or composted and used as organic fertilizer next summer. Water can be scarce for wildlife in winter when natural sources are frozen. While most creatures are seeking drinking water, birds are also looking for bathing water.
Bathing helps birds to stay warm by keeping their insulating feathers in tip-top condition.
Keeping your bird bath clean and free from ice will help birds and other creatures to survive the winter. Heated bird baths, which keep the water just warm enough to keep from freezing and use little electricity, are also available. Winter is the time for backyard wildlife watchers to brush up on their identification skills. Keep a field guide and a pair of binoculars at hand to help identify your winter visitors. Practice identifying trees and other plants while they are dormant and without leaves.