2000 FACTS

Black-capped chickadee eating some berries | Hinterland Who’s Who In the wild, food is not always as plentiful as it may seem. This is especially true in winter, when many active animals—particularly birds and small mammals—must spend more energy searching for the limited seeds, fruits, and insects they need to survive. Thoughtfully maintained feeding stations can help wildlife through periods of scarcity while also bringing animals close enough for us to observe behaviors that would otherwise be difficult to see. The options are nearly endless: black oil sunflower seed in tube feeders, millet scattered for ground-feeding birds, suet offered during cold weather, fruit for species that naturally eat it, and live or dried mealworms for insect-eating birds. Different foods and feeder designs attract different visitors. When feeders are kept clean, positioned safely, and used alongside native plants and natural shelter, they can become a valuable supplement to t...

In many parts of the United States, especially across the Southwest, Great Plains, and other regions that experience hot, dry summers, water can be the single most important resource limiting wildlife. During periods of drought, even a simple birdbath with fresh, clean water can become one of the most valuable features you provide for birds and other animals. If you have room for just one habitat feature in your yard, consider making it a pond or small water garden. It doesn't have to be large—even a shallow pool of water can make an enormous difference. A backyard pond quickly becomes a refuge for countless aquatic creatures while also creating a peaceful focal point that the whole family can enjoy. A pond's value extends well beyond permanent water. Even seasonal ponds that dry out during part of the year play an essential ecological role. Although they won't support fish, temporary ponds provide ideal breeding habitat for man...