Edge provides ready access to both food and cover. Raptors perch and feed at edges. An irregular edge is preferable to a straight one. Some species, most notably many migratory songbirds, do not like edge. Techniques for improving wildlife habitat Create openings in otherwise solid forest.
Openings provide nutritious browse, insects, hiding cover, berries, etc.
Manage for oak . Acorns are an important food for deer, squirrel, turkey, wood ducks, blue jays, etc. Acorn production begins at about age 25, and peaks between age 40 and 80 for red oaks, longer for white oak. Only one-third of the oaks in a stand may be consistent producers. To sustain acorn production forest-wide, harvest groups of mature oaks periodically so that new oaks can start growing.