Feeding wildlife in your yard can be pleasing and, at times, entertaining. And if you are thinking about what to get your yard critters for Christmas, consider native plants that feed them throughout the year and add value to your landscape.
We all need to understand that wildlife do not really need our help. They may look pitiful, especially in the cold of winter, but they are quite capable of finding enough to eat and drink. Except for birds, many of our common backyard critters can in fact become too dependent on us if we feed them and can even present a danger to domestic critters like cats and dogs through the spread of disease. If they come to expect food, they can even become a nuisance.
For this reason alone, the best way to feed wildlife is to provide natural foods by planting native plants that provide fleshy fruits, dry seeds, and small insects (that feed on plants) that they need, and in the process, make your yard a destination for food and shelter. Here are a few suggestions of plants and microhabitats that you can consider as Christmas gifts for your critters, that also look good in your landscape.
For the South, some of the most readily available native shrubs include Wax Myrtle and Yaupon Holly. The berries of female plants of both are relished by birds and mammals alike in winter. If the nursery does not know the sex of these plants (they are dioecious), buy and plant a couple to ensure you have both male and female plants to produce some fruit. But alas, male and female plants support small insects that also feed birds throughout the year. American Beautyberry and any species of blueberry are also great choices.
For nectar-feeding birds like hummingbirds, Coral Honeysuckle, Cross Vine, Red Buckeye, and Coral Bean are great choices that provide important nutrition as they return to North America in early spring. The first two species are vines that can look great on a fence or trellis where they are easily viewed when birds are around.
For seed eating birds and other critters, a no-mow zone in your landscape is a great choice to provide food and shelter throughout the year, including native mammals like rabbits https://ourmshome.com/seed-heads-winter-beauty-and-food-for-birds/. Yes, reptiles and amphibians will also show up, but they deserve a place to live as well. A corner of your yard will do fine for this and will reduce the amount of mowing for you! Pruning of shrubs that pop up over time is all that is needed to maintain this open microhabitat.
You might also consider building a brush pile or two that provide great shelter and a place for critters to find food https://ourmshome.com/brush-piles-for-the-birds-and-other-cool-critters/. We love to watch our Carolina Wren parents bring their fledglings to our piles to teach them how to find food.
And yes, it is OK to feed birds and even your squirrels on occasion, but please do it well. Processed foods are not good for any wildlife (like old bread and rice) and can even harm them. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds website is a great resource about proper feeding of birds https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/browse/topic/feeding-birds/.
For squirrels (should you be that kind) peanuts, acorns, and other types of nuts will be appreciated. For Box Turtles, any green leafy vegetable, fruits like apples and pears, and especially mushrooms are great for them, but beware – if you feed them too much, they will start knocking on your door for more.
So, treat your favorite wildlife and yourself this Christmas and obtain a native plant or two, or three, that you and they will appreciate.
Hope to see you in our great outdoors!