Water

Water is another basic staple that all living things need. Again there are various ways one can provide wildlife with water.

Bird Bath: Most people are familiar with the concept of a bird bath. It can take many forms from a concrete, plastic or metal purchased model to a shallow dish recycled for this use. Many birds prefer their birdbath (or feeder for that matter) be placed in an area where they can quickly reach cover. A few feet from a tree of bushes will do the trick. If a shallow dish on the ground is used other animals will benefit as well. Be aware if you have raccoons they may use your bird bath to clean their food, an activity they often do. Bird baths do require some maintenance with regular cleaning. If you do not do this your will notice green algae start to form and diseases can be spread among the birds as well. Wiping the bird bath down with a cloth and water should be sufficient but if it gets particularly grimy you can use a dilute mild detergent. Just make sure you rinse the bird bath well before refilling.

Pond: If you are lucky enough to have water already on your property in the form of a pond or maybe even a stream, additional water features are not necessary. It is also possible to install a pond. Many nurseries now how pond supplies and can help you with the specifics for installation. Basically it involves digging a hole, installing a liner, adding rocks, sand, etc. In a small manmade pond it is important to also have a pump so the water does not become stagnant and filled with algae and mosquito larvae. Additional items can also be added such as plants and fish.

Puddles: While we might not think of them this way, puddles can be a source of water for wildlife as well. Take note of where the puddles form on your property. The mud around puddles can also be a great place to see animal tracks and can tell you more about the wildlife your yard attracts.