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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume VI, Issue II Page 7 May 1, 2002 WILDLIFE cont. from page 6 well fed throughout the long winter months. And in the early morning, when the air is crisp as a tart apple and delicate frost lies on the spent flower heads like a tiara, the bright colors of birds bring the garden alive as if it were in glorious, full bloom. It’s always a lively yard that attracts hummingbirds. With speed and dexterity that would make a pilor envious, hummers steak through gardens in search of nectar. According to Kris McCue, Tracy Aviary associate curator, there are a number of hummingbirds we can expect to attract to our gardens, particularly the Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. “The more flowers you plant, the more likely you will have hummingbirds,” says McCue. Firecracker penstemon, with tiny tubular flowers the color of a fire truck; agastache, in colors to rival a southwestern sunset; and nepeta, with silky gray leaves and cool blue flowers, are some favorites of Utah’s hummingbirds. American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, and the Western Meadowlark all enjoy seeds from such plants as sulphur buckwheat and perennial sunflower. The antics of jays and juncos hanging upside down from annual sunflowers provide comic relief to brighten anyone’s day. Birds also nourish themselves on the insects that feed on flowers and shrubs. In fact, insects are an important part of many bird diets, and perennial flowers and other plants attract the insects that many of Utah’s birds depend on for food. Warblers, tanagers and orioles are just a few of the birds that turn to insects to supply the bulk of the protein in their diets. And hummingbirds don’t only feed on nectar. “Insects are a very important part of a hummingbird’s diet,” McCue would like us to remember. Hummingbirds dine on spider mites, thrips, and other small insects that are a plague to gardeners. When birds and bats are invited into a yard, it becomes very important not to use pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. Besides killing an important food source, many of those products contain chemicals that are harmful to birds and bats. No insect control works as effectively, or safely, as a flock of hungry juncos. Another group of plants to consider is grasses. Planting ornamental and native grasses not only provides shelter during summer months for ground-dwelling birds, but the seed heads are an important food source all year. Chipmunks, in particular, depend on grass seed in winter when other food sources become less available. Ornamental grasses have become popular landscape plants in recent years, and with many new introductions, there are grasses to fit any spot in the yard. With stately plumes and billowing foliage, ornamental grasses are an attractive addition to any yard. Being nearly pest and disease free, grasses are also wonderfully low maintenance. Trees and shrubs that have persistent fruit are an excellent source of food for all manner of wildlife, helping to keep birds and other animals in the garden all winter. McCue says yards with hawthorns, Utah junipers, and buffaloberry might be treated to a visit by Cedar Waxwings in early April. “There may be as many as 50 waxwings in a single tree,” says McCue. Adding feeders is another way to keep birds over the winter months. Peanuts and sunflowers are a particular favorite of Scrub Jay and Steller’s Jay, Dark-eyed Juncos, and House Finches, “A feeder is enough to attract birds, and ore feeders and a variety of seed will appeal to even more birds,” McCue says. Birds and chipmunks aren’t the only visitors we might welcome into our yards. While we all probably enjoy the sight of deer browsing in an alpine meadow, to see one eating the Angelique tulips or Graham Thomas rose can send event the most gen- Celeste C. Canning PLLC Attorney at Law 1470 N. Main Bountiful, Utah 84010 Local: 801 791-1092 Office: 801 294-6999 Email: ccanninglaw@aol.com Meeting the Legal Needs of Small Business and Their Owners FREE Initial Thirty Minute Consultation. Appointments in Ogden Valley upon request. $163,000! Great buy on this 4 + bedroom, 2 bath all brick home. New windows. New roof! Can’t beat the value! Dyan Gill Licensed Utah Realtor Since 1991 Wolf Lodge condomimium, 1 bedroom, hardwood floors, slate tile, new paint, wood burning stove. Nice!Furnished. $75,000 Owner/agent. 801 898-5853 Selling Ogden Valley and surrounding areas. tle of nature-lovers running with shovel in hand. Selecting shrubs that can withstand browsing by deer can help to make them welcome visitors instead of dreaded intruders. Buffaloberry, with its silvery gray leaves and bright red fruit; New Mexico privet, its dark green leaves and reddish bark a strong contrast to the silvers of many native plants; and fragrant sumac, with bright red spring fruit and brilliant crimson fall leaves provide shelter and food for deer during the winter months, while also providing beauty to the yard. Water Maybe the yard is already blessed with a creed or natural pond to attract salamanders, deer, and ducks. But if water is not a natural part of the landscape, consider adding a water feature. The water feature could be as simple as a ceramic saucer, an over-turned garbage can lid, or a formal birdbath. Whatever is used, the best container has gently sloping sides and is no deeper than two inches. Moving or dripping water makes the feature even more attractive to birds. According to Sue Nordstrom and Margy Halpin, authors of Creating Landscapes for Wildlife—A Guide for Back Yards in Utah, water is one of the most important elements in attracting wildlife. “Most species depend on water for drinking, and some require water for special needs during certain phases of their life cycle, such as nesting periods,” says Nordstrom. As in nature, yards with intermittent or permanent water will attract and support a greater variety of birds, animals, amphibians, and insects. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, for example, only nest in areas with tall trees and water. Abert’s Towhee, a native of our southwest desert, selects shrubs near water to build nests. Bullock’s and Yellow Warblers build nests in cottonwoods along streams and rivers. It isn’t only birds that will appreciate the water that is provided. Monarch butterflies, for instance, enjoy a simple mud puddle. Birdbaths are also appealing to squirrels and chipmunks. A flat rock placed in the center of a birdbath becomes a perch for butterflies and dragonflies. To attract amphibians, dragonflies and small animals, build an in-ground pond complete with shallows featuring bog plants. Dragonflies like to perch on the tall reeds that grow beside water. Garter and gopher snakes will appreciate a groundlevel source of water to draw insects. According to Nordstrom, ponds for amphibians and salamanders should be placed at least 15 feet away from trees or shrubs where predators might be lurking. If the water is intended for birds, locate it five to ten feet from protective cover. Smaller trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses near the water will create perches for the birds, and cover to dash into should the neighbor’s cat stroll through. There is something about a garden teeming with life that helps us to feel connected to nature. When we invite wildlife into our yards, we stop being outsiders to nature, and become stewards and partners instead. Don’t be surprised if the sanctuary created to attract wildlife becomes a haven for you as well. Note: This information was published in “Wildlife Review.” |
