It is really quite easy to have a backyard wildlife habitat . There are some main steps to follow which will be outlined below. The National Wildlife Federation has encouraged folks to get their backyards certified with them as wildlife habitats and if you apply for this distinction, you will receive a certificate. Better yet, you can order a plaque that you can display in your yard.
To create a certifed wildlife habitat you will need to have 4 main elements. You can find these in more detail at www.nationalwildlifefederation.org where you can also apply for certification.
The 4 main elements your habitat is required to have are:
1. Food
2. Shelter
3. Water
4. Places to roost/raise the young ones
Accomplishing this will require a variety and combination of trees, bushes, nectar rich flowers, birdhouses, birdbaths and birdfeeders. It's a good idea to place a few birdbaths in strategic places. Birdhouses need to be at different heights for different birds. Same goes for birdfeeders .
A variety of different seeds are available that attract different birds. As a tip-squirrels do not like safflower seeds. Plus, some bird are ground feeders while others prefer to be several feet above ground. It's beginning to sound like birds are fairly picky and I do believe they are. However, they are a wonder to watch. And by adding these outdoor accessories, your yard takes on a whole different feel.
This is just a sampling of ideas for you to get your backyard habitat certified. It actually is quite an honor as there are under 200,000 in the U.S. Not many considering how many there could be. Are you going to be one of those unique people?
Let me know how it goes. Would love to hear your comments.
To create a certifed wildlife habitat you will need to have 4 main elements. You can find these in more detail at www.nationalwildlifefederation.org where you can also apply for certification.
The 4 main elements your habitat is required to have are:
1. Food
2. Shelter
3. Water
4. Places to roost/raise the young ones
Accomplishing this will require a variety and combination of trees, bushes, nectar rich flowers, birdhouses, birdbaths and birdfeeders. It's a good idea to place a few birdbaths in strategic places. Birdhouses need to be at different heights for different birds. Same goes for birdfeeders .
A variety of different seeds are available that attract different birds. As a tip-squirrels do not like safflower seeds. Plus, some bird are ground feeders while others prefer to be several feet above ground. It's beginning to sound like birds are fairly picky and I do believe they are. However, they are a wonder to watch. And by adding these outdoor accessories, your yard takes on a whole different feel.
This is just a sampling of ideas for you to get your backyard habitat certified. It actually is quite an honor as there are under 200,000 in the U.S. Not many considering how many there could be. Are you going to be one of those unique people?
Let me know how it goes. Would love to hear your comments.
