- Did you know that your landscape can support wildlife? There are many birds that overwinter in Colorado, including chickadees, juncos, crows, and the striking cedar waxwing (pictured above). A healthy landscape can provide food and shelter for them.
- Many landscape plants can be a home or a meal for birds. Sunflowers, yarrow, and blue flax are among the plants that can give sustenance to our feathered friends. Yarrow can provide nest material as well. Trees and shrubs like blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, and chokecherry are also good choices. Talk with a landscape professional about plants you might add to your landscape next year to support wildlife.
- In the meantime, if you put out a feeder, decide which birds are likely to be in your area and which birds you want to see in your landscape. There are many varieties of bird seed; choose a mix that your local birds will eat. According to CSU Extension, black oil sunflower seed is a safe bet that many wild birds in Colorado enjoy.
- A suet bird feeder will appeal to chickadees and woodpeckers. Get an inexpensive feeder available at your local hardware store that holds a block of suet—or go DIY with a pinecone coated with peanut butter or fat.
- Be sure to provide a water source as well, especially in these dry conditions. A bird bath or simply a shallow tray of water will work. Replenish it daily and clean it weekly to be sure wildlife have a clean place to take a drink.
Just a note: We’re taking next week off, but we’ll be back on December 31 with a New Year’s Eve Tip of the Week!
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Source: customer-service@bestyard.com in collaboration with Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado
