Table of Contents. Introduction.2. Butterflies...3. Birds..6. Amphibians..9. Mammals Safety Damages Concluding Remarks 16

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Table of Contents. Introduction.2. Butterflies...3. Birds..6. Amphibians..9. Mammals Safety Damages Concluding Remarks 16"

Jonathan Kenneth Wells
5 years ago
Views:

2 Table of Contents Introduction.2 Butterflies...3 Birds..6 Amphibians..9 Mammals...11 Safety...14 Damages...15 Concluding Remarks 16 Image found at: 1

3 Introduction For centuries, viewing wild animals has been a hobby for people. In the 1700's, birds were documented in books for their beauty, and more recently bird watching has increased as a recreational activity. There are ample opportunities to view wildlife at zoos and wildlife parks, such as the one located locally at Penn's Cave. These close encounters provide nature lovers with opportunities for endless enjoyment. With such an interest growing in wildlife, it is important to note that animals are losing their natural habitat at alarming rates. Most of this is due to development, habitat fragmentation, and deforestation. For those interested in wildlife, there are things we can do to help. The following document serves as a guide to attract species local to Centre County, Pennsylvania; for example blue jays, American toads, Eastern gray squirrels, and whitetailed deer to a backyard setting. Homeowners like you can use the simple steps provided to entice animals to your home. The landscaping guidelines given will not only make appealing additions to your property, they also act as sources of food, cover, and water for the animals. This guide will begin by discussing plants conducive for alluring butterflies. Then the subject of birds is discussed, including information on bird baths, feeders, nest boxes, and preferred tree and plant species. The benefits of constructing a pond setting for amphibian lovers are covered next, followed by a section on mammals. The mammals section is broken down into squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Important safety tips to keep in mind while coming into contact with animals are provided, along with guidelines to prevent animal damages. By applying these guidelines, you'll have animals visiting your yard in no time. The tranquility of the outdoors and its inhabitants await you. Happy viewing!! 2

4 Butterflies Creating a Butterfly Garden Butterflies are beautiful creatures that are easily overlooked in today's society. They are observed during the day, especially during July and August when it's warm. By planting a few preferred plant species for food, you can enjoy marveling at these insects as they bask in the sun or flutter past your window. Getting Started Begin by making a list of butterflies native to the area that you'd like to attract to your property. This information can be obtained from a field guide, such as the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies. After choosing the species of interest to you, the most important attractant will be its favored plant species. Butterflies need nectar plants for the adults to feed on as well as host plants for the caterpillars to consume. The female must lay her eggs near a host plant because once the larvae hatch, they cannot move far to find a host plant to feed on. Some top plants for butterflies are butterfly bush, purple coneflowers, New England aster, milkweed, and marigolds (1). A list of native Pennsylvania butterfly species and their preferred host and nectar plants follow in the two charts below: Species American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) Host Plant Hackberry Plantains, Snapdragons, Gerardias Hackberry Common Milkweed Willow, Aspen, Cottonwood, Elm Thistle, Hollyhock, Sunflower, Daisy Nettle, False nettle, Pellitory Wild cherry, Oak, Poplar, Hawthorn, Willow 3

5 Species American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) Monarch (Danaus plexippus) Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis) Nectar Food Species Dogwood, Aster, Goldenrod Butterfly bush, Common milkweed, Privet, White clover, Zinnia Globe amaranth, White clover, Mist flower Common milkweed, Late-flowering boneset, Marigold, Zinnia Butterfly bush, Common milkweed, New England Aster, Purple coneflower Butterfly bush, Marigold, Mist flower, Privet Privet, Poplar Creating Your Garden Now that you've secured all your plants, you're ready to begin creating a butterfly haven. For your own aesthetic purposes, you may want to draw out a landscaping plan of where to place each component. A good plan to follow is to place perennials in the back portion of the garden and annuals in front. This makes replacing the annuals each year easy. Also, provide areas where there are tall plants, medium sized plants, and shorter plants for variation. If you choose to use pesticides, do so sparingly. Make sure there are plenty of open sunny areas in your garden. Butterflies are most active in the sun, flying best when temperatures are in the 70s. Since butterflies are cold-blooded, they need to bask in the sun to get energy for flight. Provide areas, such as rocks, for this behavior. In bad weather, butterflies need to be protected from the elements. Shelter from the wind can be obtained by planting rows of shrubbery, including Honeysuckle, Hawthorn, and Spice bush (2). A butterfly house can be purchased or made to add security as well as serve as a decoration for your home. Now that you have most of your elements in place, the last thing you need to include is a water source. Believe it or not butterflies still need to drink! They use the water to get nutrients such as salts that they don't receive from the nectar sources. You can do something as easy as dig a shallow puddle or fill a bucket with sand and keep it wet. A bird bath would work as well- and would attract even more wildlife to your yard! 4

6 Waiting for the Butterflies If you've provided all the elements discussed, the butterflies will find all the conditions they need to thrive. Now it's time to be patient and wait for them to come to you. However, you could make the experience even more enjoyable by raising your own butterflies! Butterfly kits come with live caterpillars which you can grow and release into your garden. If you chose to do this, follow the instructions and don't release them into your garden until they've emerged from the cocoon. References (1): (2): Picture: 5

7 Birds Birds need three elements in a habitat to thrive: food, water, and shelter. These elements are easily placed into your current backyard setting by implementing bird feeders, birdbaths, and trees or shrubs that provide adequate cover. Providing Adequate Food There are several types of feeders available for birds. For ground feeding birds including robins, doves, and cardinals, a platform feeder is best suitable. A hanging or tube feeder can be hung on a tree or post and will attract such species as nuthatches, finches, chickadees, and sparrows. Be sure to clean feeders regularly with a 90% water and 10% bleach solution (1). Different types of bird feed will attract different types of birds. If there are particular species you hope to attract, pick a bird seed they prefer. Sunflower and safflower seeds are good for protein and fat and provide energy to the bird. Mixes of these types of seeds can also be found. Another alternative is suet bird feed, which is sold in bars or cakes and is preferred by woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice. It is important to be sure when giving food that it is kept in a dry place and not moldy. The chart below shows types of feed and the species of bird attracted: Types of Feed Sunflower seeds Safflower seeds Millet Corn Species of Bird Attracted Cardinals, Bluejays, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice, Gold finch, House finch, Juncos, Sparrows Cardinals, Finches, Grosbeaks, Chickadees, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow House finches, Mourning doves, Juncos, Starlings, Sparrows Blue Jays, Mourning doves, Juncos, Starlings, Sparrows Turkeys, Pheasants, Grouse Information obtained from 6

8 Adding a bird feeder to your yard is a great start, but you can also add plants that will provide food. Evergreens, such as white pine, cedar, spruce, and yew trees provide a source of berries or seed filled cones. Deciduous plants provide not only a place to perch, but also seeds, nuts, and berries. Some favorable species are cherry, crabapple, hackberry, oak, and serviceberry. Also include shrubs of honeysuckle, barberry, and holly. Certain species, like the hummingbird, are attracted to tubular flowers that can provide nectar. Have a diverse stand of vegetation present and be aware of when they are providing seeds, nuts, or berries. The birds need to have food throughout the whole year! Species of birds will be around all year as residents, while others will migrate during the colder months. For the resident birds, such as the black capped chickadee and house sparrow, winter food should be available beginning early in the fall. The birds will become dependent on the food source, so feeding must be continued throughout the winter. For migrating birds, winter migration commences by mid-december and spring migration begins in mid-february (2). Accessing a Water Source It is important to add a clean water source for birds to drink from, whether you choose to include a birdbath, pond, or water fountain in your plans. "The sound of moving water is magnetic to most wild birds and will draw them from greater distances for a cool drink or bath" (3). Water depth should not exceed 3" (4). Make sure the surface of the water source is constructed with stones, sand, or concrete to ensure good footing. Placement of water is also key. Many birds prefer to drink in open areas, where they will be able to see predators coming. However, if you are aware that your area is frequently visited by hawks or other predators, consider moving the water source closer to cover where the birds can easily escape. Since you're creating this space for your enjoyment, put it where you can easily observe birds from your home. Make sure you are providing clean water. If using a bird bath, the water should be changed every other day and cleaned every 2-3 days as a general rule. Clean the bird feeder with hot soapy water. 7

9 Incorporating Protection and Cover By planting vegetation such as trees and shrubs, birds have a place to take refuge. The same species that provide food will also serve for shelter. Plant a diversity of species for attracting the most birds and focus mainly on native plants to the area that birds are familiar with and will use. Birdhouses and nestboxes are also great additions to your plans. Nest boxes are used by birds for breeding, as many birds are cavity nesters. Bird houses provide cover and should be placed facing away from wind and out of direct sunlight. No nesting material or food should be placed in these structures, unless used by owls, chickadees, or woodpeckers, where wood chips could be included (1). Place nest boxes 6 ½ ft. from the ground to keep away predators (5) References (1) (2) Wood, Merrill. Birds of Central Pennsylvania. Bulletin (3) (4) Schutz, Walter. How to Attract, House, & Feed Birds. New York: The Bruce Publishing Company, Print. (5) Newton-Cox, Andrew, and Deena Beverley. Making Birdhouses. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., Pictures: 8

Amphibians Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders There are 22 species of salamanders in Pennsylvania and many types of frogs and toads, including the Wood frog, Spring peeper, Gray tree frog, Green frog, and

10 Amphibians Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders There are 22 species of salamanders in Pennsylvania and many types of frogs and toads, including the Wood frog, Spring peeper, Gray tree frog, Green frog, and American toad. Amphibians are ectotherms and cannot regulate their body temperature, causing them to hibernate in the winter and aestivate when it gets too hot. Many amphibians spend time both on land and in water, but their habitats are in decline due to fragmentation and destruction. The addition of a tranquil pond to your yard can be an inviting home to these amphibians. Providing Excavating a Pond sloping sides gives easy access into The size of a pond s reflective surface draws attention from these and out of creatures. Before beginning to dig out your pond, plan the size that your pond. fits your property- just remember it won t be noticed if it s too small. An average size for a pond is 12 ft long, 6 ft wide, and 1.5 ft deep (1). Placement of a pond should be on level ground where water will naturally collect. It should also be in an area with minimal risk to animals that are coming or going, so avoid patches of land near roads. Also avoid areas that experience run-off because these nutrients can affect amphibian development if they enter the water. Place a pond at least partially in the shade to keep algae growth from becoming rampant. You can begin to excavate your pond whenever the ground is not overly wet or frozen. While digging, remove rocks and other debris. Once digging has been completed, add a few inches of sand to the pond bed before putting in a liner. This helps to keep anything on the bottom from puncturing into the liner. Choose a sunny day to add the liner to the inside of the newly excavated pond. Place the liner into the hole and secure it with bricks. Begin to fill it with water, which will 9

11 form the liner to the shape of the pond. Use some of the soil excavated for the pond to secure the liner (2). Keep in mind that the pond is most likely to be utilized by frogs, toads, and salamanders if the water is still or slow moving. In addition, many species cannot compete well with fish for resources, so if you want amphibians to visit your pond consider not incorporating fish. Adding Plants Allow the pond to warm for a few days before placing any plants into it. Vegetation is important for cover and as a substrate for egg attachment. You want to mix a variety of emergent plants, which are rooted in shallow areas and exhibit most of their growth above water. Some common species of plants include cattails and water lilies. You also want to include submergent plants and floating plants like duckweed. Land elements are just as important as water elements for these species. Add shrubs and water tolerant vegetation around the pond to allow for increased cover and escape from predators. Also add logs, leaf litter, and rocks to provide cover because many will spend more time on land than in the water (3). Creating a Toad Shelter A fun project you can create yourself is a toad shelter. Drill a hole big enough for a frog or toad into the side of an upside down clay pot. Have fun decorating these toad shelters, as they will increase the aesthetics of your pond area. Place these on the land around your pond, among vegetation. References 1.) 2.) Proctor, Noble. Garden Birds. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, ) Pictures: reated_pond_jr.jpg 10

12 Mammals Enticing Squirrels, Rabbits, and Deer While these animals play an important role in nature, many people view them as nuisances. Before taking any steps to attract these animals, make sure it is something that you're interested in. Once being fed, it will be hard to get squirrels to leave; and you may find that they don't have enough suitable nesting spots in trees, causing them to sneak into your home and take refuge in your attic or garage. Also, these suggestions may be expensive- such as planting a food plot for deer. However, providing suitable habitat for these animals is still rewarding. Inviting Squirrels Squirrels can be attracted to seeds that fall on the ground around bird feeders. These critters have to eat their body weight each week in food and can cause havoc on the food you've supplied for the birds. Provide compressed corn logs, or purchase a squirrel specific feeder. There are also bird feeders available that are squirrel proof. Planting vegetation for cover as well as food will also attract these animals. Squirrels like red maples, hickories, hackberry, and oaks because they prefer fruit and nuts. Being year round residents, squirrels need plenty of cover. Squirrels like to nest in trees, so if there is not enough good nesting sites already available, consider adding nesting boxes. Although meant for birds, squirrels may take residence in boxes made for birds including American Kestrels, pileated woodpeckers, and wood ducks (1). If trees are close to your home, pay careful attention to trim any branches that squirrels could use to jump onto your roof. They may use your gutters to gather nuts and could find a hole or chimney to enter your house. 11

Attracting Rabbits Cottontail rabbits are common throughout the eastern United States. They are found year round, and are most active at dawn and dusk.

13 Attracting Rabbits Cottontail rabbits are common throughout the eastern United States. They are found year round, and are most active at dawn and dusk. Pay extra close attention from March- September, when you might catch a glimpse of baby bunnies, also called kits, timidly munching on vegetation. Rabbits eat plants already common in many yards, such as clover and dandelions. They also consume corn, soybeans, and wheat. According to H. Lee Stribling, an Extension Wildlife Scientist and Associate Professor at Auburn University, "Plant cowbeans and corn during spring and small grains during fall to provide yearround forage. If fescue is planted, be sure to use an "endophyte-free" variety, because other varieties can decrease cottontail reproduction" (2). During the winter, rabbits eat the buds and bark of plants including birch, oak, maples, blackberry, witch-hazel, and sumac (3). Timothy, crabgrass, and bluegrass are other choice plantings. Rabbits, like other wildlife, also need water and cover. However, water needs are usually met by the food rabbits consume. Providing brush piles, tall grasses, and weedy areas serve as adequate cover. Living near agricultural areas where there are corn fields will also provide necessary nesting sites. Plant thickets of blackberry or honeysuckle for refuge. Deer can browse any Enticing Deer vegetation under 6 feet in Those that live near a wooded habitat will be most likely to height entice white-tailed deer. Food plots are a great way to appeal to deer, especially where the nearby habitat is poor or the food is scarce (4). Late winter and early spring are the times when deer have the hardest time finding food, so plant perennials that will still be around during this time. If planting a food plot is appealing to you, it is suggested that they will be most effective when they are within a deer's home range, which is approximately 1 square mile (640 acres). Also, it is important to place your plots at a distance of at least a half mile from roads or gardens to minimize damages. Some forage species you could plant include corn, 12

soybeans, alfalfa, clover, or bromegrass. Preferred species of trees include oaks and maples. A salt or mineral lick can be set out as well to provide further nutrients. References 1.) www.avianweb.

14 soybeans, alfalfa, clover, or bromegrass. Preferred species of trees include oaks and maples. A salt or mineral lick can be set out as well to provide further nutrients. References 1.) 2.) 3.) 4.) Pictures:

15 Safety Precautionary Tips for Interacting with Wild Animals Whenever encountering wild animals, there are some things to keep in mind. Wild animals are not pets and should not be approached or tried to be tamed. Below are some tips to keep in mind when living in close proximity to wild animals: Protect yourself from diseases. Animals can carry diseases, making you more susceptible to them with contact. Racoons and groundhogs such as rabies. Rabbits get ticks and can be a host for Lyme disease. Although not found in Pennsylvania, Chronic Wasting Disease has been a problem in deer and other cervids throughout the United States. Attracting these species may raise your risk of coming into contact with this disease and others should they appear in the area. Be aware of the potential risks and check yourself for ticks or other vectors of disease. Don't approach a sick or injured animal. If an animal needs help, you can refer it to professionals such as the Centre for Wildlife Care located locally in Port Matilda. Remove dead animals. Should a carcass of an animal be seen in your yard, dispose of it properly. Wear gloves, place the animal in a trash bag and throw it away or bury it. Then thoroughly wash your hands with hot soapy water to kill any germs. Secure trashcans. You will attract more unwanted attention from animals by making food easily accessible. In addition to the animals you've already attracted, you may find that raccoons or even bears could find your home appealing. Be cautious of animals on the road. Deer should not be attracted to your property if you live near a major roadway. Deer have contributed to 18,000 collisions from (1). Drive slowly and be alert if driving in areas inhabited by deer. References 1.) Taken from Wildlife and Fisheries Science 310 Lecture notes on September 22,

16 Damages Allowing animals to come within close proximity to your home can result in disturbances. Rabbits and deer may eat your vegetables and garden plants, and squirrels may find a way to enter your home. If you've created a habitat conducive to attracting these animals, there are some ways to limit the damages they may cause: Erect fences. Fences placed around gardens should be constructed using posts, or metal wire that is small enough not to allow small animals to pass through the crevices. If using a mesh fence, which can be effective for smaller mammals such as rabbits and squirrels, be careful that they will not become tangled in it. Constructing fences for deer should be at least six feet high, more desirably eight to ten feet high, so it can not be jumped over. Eliminate access to buildings. As previously stated, squirrels will try and find a way into your home if they do not have adequate nesting sites. Ways to prevent this include repairing loose siding and shingles, covering the dryer vent with a vent screen, trimming branches away from the house, and cleaning gutters at least twice a year. Place feeders in appropriate areas. The placement of feeders where they can still be seen but not too close to the home will help to keep animals further away. Also, including squirrel feeders in addition to bird feeders and keeping them separate (around 15 feet) will deter squirrels from damaging the feeder or robbing the birds of their food. Ground dwelling animals, such as chipmunks, will collect many of the fallen seeds but won't provide damage to the feeders. Use Repellants. There are many commercial repellants that can be purchased to deter unwanted animals from locations in your garden. Get professional help. If animals continue to cause damages around your home, it is best to reduce feeding until it is discontinued. If necessary, call local professionals to remove unwanted animals. For example, S & S Wildlife Control Services, Inc. in State College can be reached toll free at

17 Concluding Remarks Now that you've planted your trees, shrubs, and flowers; erected your bird feeders and nest boxes; and excavated your pond, all that's left to do is wait. Remember to be patient while the animals make your home theirs too. Pretty soon you'll enjoy standing by the window just to catch a glimpse of nature's miracles. Show off your efforts by certifying your garden with the National Wildlife Federation as an official wildlife sanctuary. Even your neighbors will notice and be impressed when they see the yard sign indicating your dedication to conserving the local species! 16

The joy of attracting birds is open to everyone at any age, and it is easy and relatively inexpensive. It is a great hobby for an individual or the

Feathered Friend The joy of attracting birds is open to everyone at any age, and it is easy and relatively inexpensive. It is a great hobby for an individual or the whole family. It is fun and relaxing.