It's almost winter, so let's talk a minute about how to create a winter habitat for birds! Our goal is to help you understand how you can help your bird friends by providing them food, water, and shelter! #LearnWithExtension
Protect your birds this year! These past few years have been active ones for disease-related wild bird deaths in the U.S.. We now have a confirmed Avian Flu case for the state of Mississippi this year. As birdwatchers and nature lovers we should follow best practices when providing backyard feeders and water sources for wild birds this fall and winter!
Here are some suggestions:
Create brush piles to provide a safe haven and attract food sources to the area.
Always have bird feeders and water stations filled. Try to place them near trees and shrubs for easy access. Black oil sunflower seeds are ideal for winter, since they provide the highest calories per ounce!
Consider planting native trees and shrubs in your landscape. This creates a year-round source of shelter and food for birds. Plants like wax myrtles, hollies, and American red cedars are great options! Other items to plant include native grasses like bluestem and broomsedge, which are also great for shelter.
Check on any birdbaths or fountains during extreme cold weather to make sure there is clean, flowing water available.
Original source can be found here.
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