Green Horizons

Landscaping for wildlife
In an attempt to attract the most variety of birds to my yard, I have planned my landscape to enhance bird habitat including food and shelter. In addition to bird feeders, an ample food supply of tree and shrub berries is critical in attracting birds to your yard. I recommend native plant species as they are better adapted to Missouri soils and climate. Additionally, research has shown that foraging birds seek out the familiar plants over the exotic species. Favorite shrubs with appealing berries for attracting birds include viburnum, holly, dogwood, sumac, cedar, spicebush, hawthorn and shrub roses.

During fall clean-up, don’t dead-head flowers such as coneflowers, black-eyed susans, zinnias, marigolds, coreopsis, sunflowers and cosmos. Also, leaving plant materials provides additional shelter for birds. Winter refuge is also critical for protecting the birds from predators and the cold winter, especially this winter. Last summer, I lost a huge maple tree during a windstorm. It landed within 10 feet of my largest bird feeder. I have yet to clean up the debris, and it has been a haven for birds this year, especially the finches and cardinals. Birds love dead branches and trees as perching locations, so avoid pruning these out if you can.

Another favorite is to recycle the Christmas tree near the bird feeder - there is not a bird within the neighborhood that doesn’t use the Christmas tree as a hangout. Other favorite shrubs in my yard for bird habitat are the hollies, viburnums, shrub roses and cotoneaster.

Water is an overlooked component that plays a key role in the survival of birds through the winter. A shallow water dish to an elaborate bird bath all serve the same purpose, supplemental water through the winter that will attract birds. Place the water near the bird feeders, or under overhanging branches or near dense shrubbery. I have noticed that the most untidy parts of my yard are the most popular for the birds. Plant an abundance of native plants, and plant in groupings for maximum food and protection.

A note on recycling your Christmas tree: I place mine in the backyard under the bird feeders, and the birds come in masses to hang out on the branches of the dead tree. The tree can be ground for mulch to place in flowerbeds or gardens.

Give the gift of wildlife habitat by recycling Christmas trees

Source: Bob Pierce, Univ. of Missouri Extension Assistant Professor, Fisheries and Wildlife Dept., email: PierceR@missouri.edu

Whether it’s a Douglas fir, a Colorado blue spruce or Scotch pine, all Christmas trees can make great wildlife habitat after the holidays, a University of Missouri specialist said.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, Americans purchase 30 to 35 million real Christmas trees each year. These trees all have the potential to become fish or wildlife habitat, said Bob Pierce, MU Extension fish and wildlife specialist.

"One Christmas tree alone won’t provide a lot of habitat, but three or four trees grouped together can make great habitat in a pond for young bluegill, crappie and even catfish," he said. "They also can provide protective cover for wildlife."

Bundles of brush and trees "provide an opportunity for the entire food chain to exist," Pierce said. "The structure attracts aquatic insects, which attract the larval fish, which attract the predatory fish, which attract the fishermen."

"Because many ponds around the state are several feet below normal, areas that are usually underwater are now visible, offering you a chance to really see and assess your existing habitat," he said. Missouri ranks No. 2 in the nation in the number of manmade impoundments, around 500,000 ponds and small lakes in all.

"It’s better to group your trees and brush together than to spread everything out," he said. "Placing one large brush pile for every 2 to 3 acres of water is a good rule of thumb for larger lakes." When placing structure, "sink the brush with rocks or concrete blocks in a vertical position in no deeper than 10 to 12 feet of water," Pierce said. "This way, the fish will be able to use the cover year-round."

He added it’s important to be mindful of normal water depths so that structure isn’t placed too deep in the pond.

For more information on pond management, Pierce said the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Missouri Pond Handbook is the "single-best publication out there." The handbook is available online at www.mdc.mo.gov/documents/fish/pondhb.pdf

Christmas trees also make effective cover for wildlife such as rabbits, quail and other birds because the trees’ limbs create usable space for hiding from predators or protection from the elements, Pierce said.

"The best places to create brush piles are where two habitats come together," he said. "This would include areas such as fencerows where agricultural fields and woodlots come together." GH