This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Garden Column at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/williamson/
Feed and Homes for Wildlife
December 27, 2008
Ed Billingsley
County Extension Director, Williamson County and Interim County Extension Director, Jackson County
Williamson County Unit 1306 N Atchison Ave, Ste A
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: 618-993-3304
FAX: 618-997-1542 edb@illinois.edu
Today, there are many homeowners interested in attracting wildlife to their backyard. The backyard can be home to butterflies, bats, birds and other wildlife. This can be done easily by having some shelter or feeders placed for attraction.
Bats can be beneficial due to the fact they catch more than 600 mosquitoes per hour. One might consider a bat house in the backyard. It is suggested the house be placed 15-feet high in a location which has six or more hours of sun per day.
Many homeowners are providing birdhouses and bird feeders in their backyard. These make great Christmas gifts as well. There is great joy to be had watching feathered visitors at the feeder. Black oil sunflowers are a great attraction for most bird species in southern Illinois, and suet will feed woodpeckers and wrens. Feeders should be placed in a safe location away from predators such as the housecat.
Bird houses should be built especially for the species you wish to attract. The size of the hole is the important part to prevent young and eggs from being destroyed. A bluebird and a wren need different types of homes as well.
A plant could also be on the wildlife list for a Christmas gift. The plant type chosen will help determine the species of wildlife attracted to the backyard. Shrubs such as holly provide shelter and berries for birds to enjoy. Flowering dogwood, crabapples, and red mulberry are trees which provide both shelter and food as well. Vines like wild grape and trumpet creeper can do the same.
By selecting plants that flower and bear fruit different times of the year, food can be provided year round. Water is also an important wildlife need in the backyard. Water in a bird bath or
backyard pond provides wildlife a fresh drink. Remember to keep it fresh by changing it every few days.
There is great joy in time spent watching birds come and go from our fully stocked feeder or finely built bird houses. So relax and help those who visit your backyard have an easier winter. It is up to you to provide home and food to your backyard visitors.
