This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
windinhishair · 61-69, M
I put out large amounts of bird seed in the feeder (high-energy black oil sunflower seed mixed with safflower seed), as well as cakes of suet. The birds are so anxious for it they come to the feeder before I am even back inside the house. I've had them land on the feeder while I am filling it up, because they trust me. They squirrels get the dropped seed, which is plentiful, and all benefit from the food which is easily converted to heat. I have pine, fir, and spruce trees nearby that the birds can huddle in to avoid the worse of the snow and get some cover. It is a short flight to the feeder when they need to replenish.
windinhishair · 61-69, M
@TJNewton There are lots of things a typical homeowner can do to benefit wildlife. I plant highbush cranberries (vibirnum sp.) that keep cranberries on the bush well into winter so it is available to the birds and other wildlife. I just planted a large number beneath a power line that runs along the edge of the property. They won't grow tall enough to reach the lines, so they will never have to be trimmed back by the power company. Fir trees with low branches provide bedding locations for deer in winter toward the back of my property. I have over 50 trees there now and have an equal number of seedlings planted. More will go in next spring as part of the fir/spruce/pine forest I am creating. Birds and other wildlife eat the seeds. They also get the walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans if I don't get them first. By focusing on biodiversity with an eye towards planting species that are toward the northern end of their natural range now, but live much further south as well, these trees will mature as climate change shifts floral species northward. Things like tuliptree, sweetgum, etc. fall into this category. These will replace the white ash and maple trees which will do poorly in 40 or 50 years as climate change accelerates. My property can act as a base for spreading tolerant tree and other plant species in the future to other properties.
If you plan ahead for both now and the next 100 years, you can make a big difference, even on smaller properties.
If you plan ahead for both now and the next 100 years, you can make a big difference, even on smaller properties.
windinhishair · 61-69, M
@TJNewton It isn't anything special. I just manage it differently than most people do. And I can tell it is working because I see unusual wildlife on occasion. I had a bobcat family come through last summer. I have eastern screech owls that nest in one of my maples. And a couple months ago on a cool, rainy night, I came across an 8-inch tiger salamander near the garage!