Photo Credit: Dave Gentry/ US Fish and Wildlife Service

Zoos are a fun way to get young children excited about exotic wildlife and natural conservation, with convenient amenities. In July, Wildlife Wednesday thinks outside the zoo for other venues to teach kids about wildlife. This week, forget the exotic zoo creatures and check out native wildlife with wildlife refuges.

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service operates 552 National Wildlife Refuges, with at least one in each state, which you can find with the handy zip code search on the Fish and Wildlife Service website. Though the primary purpose of wildlife refuges is habitat restoration and preservation, National Wildlife Refuges provide educational and special programs, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, and, if one is so inclined, hunting and fishing. Walking trails and driving tours are available at some refuges. (continue reading…)

Photo Credit: Joe Martin/US Fish and Wildlife Service

Throughout June, Wildlife Wednesday has discussed how to develop a wildlife-friendly landscape to encourage birds and other animals to share nature. Watching animals up close can be a fun hobby and a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the critters around them. Even young children can learn to identify some of the brightly colored birds that frequent the birdbath, like cardinals or goldfinches.

However, wild animals are not great at respecting boundaries, so they can occasionally get too close for comfort. A couple of summers ago, I was pleased to observe squirrel scampering about on the deck outside my kitchen. I was less pleased a few minutes later when a commotion I heard from the kitchen turned out to be the squirrel launching itself off my coffeemaker, hitting the closed kitchen window, falling into the sink and climbing back onto the coffeemaker to try again. If you plan to attract wildlife, you also need to take measures to keep them safely out in nature.

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Food and water supplies will attract wildlife, but to keep animals around for regular viewing, shelter is key. Nesting and denning sites make a habitat a home. Each species of backyard wildlife has its own habitat preferences, and the more varied habitat in a landscaping, the more varied the resident wildlife will be.

Some birds prefer to nest among tree and shrub branches, while others look for cavities. An assortment of large trees, medium-sized bushes and sheltered areas near ground level provide nesting options for many types of birds. Many common landscaping shrubs provide excellent cover for songbirds. The winged euonymus that are ubiquitous foundation plants in my neighborhood seem to attract at least one nest apiece every spring and summer. (continue reading…)

American robin. Photo Credit: Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service

In parts one and two, Wildlife Wednesday examined plants that provide natural forage for wildlife, as an alternative to feeding stations with expensive seed that may not be part of an animal’s native diet. Most animals also prefer to frequent habitats that have a source of water.

A water feature doesn’t need to be a large, complicated matter. The traditional dish on a pedestal birdbath suits birds’ needs quite well, as long as it is kept cleaned and filled. The pedestal keeps the birds safe from ground-based predators like cats while they bathe and drink. As pretty as glass birdbaths may be, they’re more aesthetic than functional. Bird feet don’t accommodate the smooth surface; in particular, perching birds like finches and robins prefer a surface they can grip. Stone or concrete is a better birdbath surface. There are alternatives for yards looking for a more natural look with fewer sculptural elements. (continue reading…)

Photo Credit: Joe Martin/US Fish and Wildlife Service

Last week, I looked at plants to attract birds without the traditional bird feeders with seeds or nectar. From planting seed-bearing and nectar-rich plants, it’s just a small step to attracting some interesting furred wildlife to observe along with the feathered friends.

Squirrels

Anyone who has put out a seed-filled bird feeder is probably acquainted with squirrels, and that there’s not really any such thing as a “squirrel-proof bird feeder.” A squirrel eats a lot of the same things that larger birds eat, and the plants for attracting birds will often naturally draw in squirrels, too. Seeds, nuts and fruits make up the bulk of squirrels’ diet, with tree buds and stored food in the winter. One of the surest ways to attract a resident squirrel is to plant a nut-producing tree; however, those take time to mature to nut-producing size. In addition to hazelnut and walnuts that can produce a tasty crop of homegrown nuts for you and the squirrels, oak trees and the acorns they produce are an excellent squirrel attractant, and a lovely shade tree. (continue reading…)

American robin. Photo Credit: Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service

In June, Wildlife Wednesday takes a look at turning your yard into a wildlife-friendly mini-sanctuary. By attracting wildlife for convenient viewing, you can introduce your kids to all sorts of animals from a safe distance. This week: attracting birds without a bird feeder.

Watching wildlife from the comfort of your living room is fun, but feeders full of seed, suet or artificial nectar may not be best for the birds.

Birds don’t generally become dependent on bird feeders; estimates are that birds get, at most, about 20% of their food from human-stocked feeders. Birdseed and suet cakes left out in winter can even help more songbirds survive when natural forage is scarce. (continue reading…)

Bald Eagle chicks. Photo Credit: Dave Menke/ US Fish and Wildlife Service

In May, Wildlife Wednesday looks at mothers of the animal kingdom. Animals in urban and suburban areas raise their young in close proximity to people, giving us a great vantage point to look at nature’s moms. However, some precautions are necessary to protect both you and the animals.

Keep Your Distance

Even if a juvenile animal appears to be alone, don’t approach. The mother is likely nearby, or out getting food for her young, and will return soon. In the animal world, humans are predators. Many animal moms respond to predator threats to their young by attacking, while others may abandon the nest, with or without the juveniles. If you would like to show young animals in nature to your kids, consider a good pair of binoculars or field glasses so you can see the babies from a distance that is safe for both you and the animals. With birds, after chicks have left the nest, you can remove vacated nests for kids to take a closer look at the different structures and nesting materials that different birds use, and you may be lucky enough to find eggshell remnants in or around the nest site. (continue reading…)