Country Road Outdoors Feature Stories
Backyard Basics for Attracting Wildlife
February 27, 2009 | By Paul T. Brown
Watching wildlife is fun and relaxing. And attracting animals to your backyard can be achieved whether it’s a 500 acre block or a half acre around the block. Desirable habit will attract songbirds, butterflies, frogs, and bigger critters, such as wild turkey and deer. And it all is waiting to be viewed or photographed just out the backdoor.
The first step in attracting wildlife is to identify the species you want to draw. Start simple and focus on one group of animals at a time. You may choose to start with songbirds, progress to small mammals and move up to larger wildlife species. No matter which you pick, the habitat you create will determine the wildlife you lure to your property.
Habitat is the combination of food, cover, water, and space. Food can be provided by planting certain shrubs, trees, flowers, and grasses. The right mix of plants can provide both food and cover, but planting alone will probably not be enough. Setting out nesting houses and supplemental feeding may be necessary.
Because I am a wildlife photographer, I want to attract a diversity of wildlife, especially songbirds, waterfowl, turkeys, and deer. I set out lots of birdhouses, feed songbirds using an assortment of feeders, and plant “food plots” for the larger game animals.
Make sure you have the habitat to support the type birdhouse you utilize. For example, eastern bluebirds require nesting boxes that border open lawns or fields. If they are not placed correctly or in the right habitat, you won’t have bluebirds.
Supplemental feeding provides food when natural food sources are low or nonexistent. Feeder styles must also fit the species your hope to attract. For example, many birds, such as American goldfinch are attracted to tube feeders. Others prefer open basket type feeders.
For game animals, such as turkeys, I spend a lot of time planning and planting food plots. It can be expensive nowadays, but on my place, food plots are necessary in attracting wild turkeys and deer. I plant both annuals (plants that live one growing season) and perennials (plants that provide a year-round food source). Most annuals are planted in the fall offering nutrition in the fall, winter, and early spring. Perennials are also planted in the fall and supply sustenance all year long, but especially in the stressful summer months.
Water is the common denominator for all wildlife species. The presence of water will increase the attractiveness of a place and boost the variety and quantity of wildlife you observe. I have two ponds, several springs, and a birdbath that I clean and fill periodically.
Talk with the local cooperative or seed store about planting food plots. Seek advice from nature shops, such as Wild Birds Unlimited, about feeders and foods for particular birds. Consult your neighborhood nursery for guidance on planting bushes and trees.
With nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites in place, you are equipped with the essentials for backyard wildlife watching.
