Finally, while they will reduce rodent problems, snakes are not always welcome visitors in gardens, especially the venomous snakes. Some people are willing to allow even venomous snakes into the garden. Choose plants which provide the preferred food for your desired guest. Hummingbirds like red flowers, but will visit most flowers which produce nectar. Other birds will need their favorite food, cherries perhaps, or sunflowers, amaranth, and other dry seed producers.
Water also invites birds into the garden, especially here in the dry environment of New Mexico.
Birds and other small animals need nesting sites and cover which protects them from predators. Shrubs, tall grasses, and trees provide this habitat. Be sure to choose plants which will also provide beauty and food for you if you wish. A wildlife garden may provide many hours of enjoyable animal watching, but you must be prepared to observe nature at work in your wildlife garden. When rodents, snakes, and birds increase in numbers they become attractive to predators which feed on them.