The edge where a forest meets a field is also a favored area by many animals. For maximum wildlife value, this edge should be soft, that is not an abrupt transition from woods and then grass. A wide edge of berry-producing shrubs and then taller grasses softens the transition and provides a buffet of food and shelter for many birds. Most of our backyard bird visitors are edge-species. Not all birds live in the woods, or along the edges.
Some species prefer open grassy areas such as bluebirds, meadowlarks, and goldfinches.
Many of these species are declining due to loss of habitat. If you own more than 5 acres of open area, consider planting the area to warm-season grasses and native flowers for these species. Do not mow during the breeding season from April to mid-August when ground nesting birds such as bobolinks and pheasants are nesting. The larger the field, the more species will benefit since some require tracts of land over 100 acres in size.