As the coldness and darkness of winter descends, it is important to remember all of the animals and birds in the forest who struggle with the many challenges of the season. They do not have the advantages of warm homes and ample food supplies as we do.
Perhaps you look out the window into your backyard and see two birds scrounging for morsels of food or a deer walking through your yard during the dead season of the year. Is your yard ready to be kind to these creatures when they wander through looking for food or shelter?
In order to make your outdoors a sanctuary for wildlife during the winter months, read on for some things that you can do to help.
Make sure your birdfeeders are kept as full as possible and also make sure you sprinkle some birdseed on the ground. There are still plenty of birds that will come in the wintertime looking to see what nourishing seeds you have to offer. Having some seeds on the ground is good because this will feed the squirrels and also the birds that are not as inclined to inspect the feeders. These include sparrows, towhees and juncos.
Deer, squirrels, birds and other critters that may venture into your yard come looking for winter treats to please them. Delight these animals by offering treats in your yard. Take dried corn cobs and lay them about your yard. Put a plentiful amount of peanut butter on pine cones, and hang some up and place others in strategic spots throughout your yard. It also helps to have suet in your yard. Woodpeckers really like this tasty snack, as do squirrels.
Birds and wildlife need to drink plenty of water just as people do. For this reason, place hot water in all of your birdbaths in order to get rid of the frozen water. Whenever water freezes again do the same thing. Having a source of water to drink, bathe and play in will make the birds happy and will suit other animals as well.
Do your part to take care of the precious creatures from the forests!
