Dead Trees Are For The Birds

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell


DEAD TREES ARE FOR THE BIRDS!

Everyone who enjoys watching birds, getting to know the birds and identifying various feathered visitors, is always trying to figure out new ways to encourage and attract more species to back yards and surrounding environs.

One of the best and easiest ways is to increase the types of habitat and food sources you offer. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is bird feeders and water sources, and there’s no doubt how important those resources are to wild birds. But let’s think outside the bird feeder/nest box mentality… LET’S THINK DEAD TREES!

If a tree dies in our yard, we call someone to cut it down and haul it away. That’s normal behavior! But, what if we did not? What if we
gave a thought to saving the dead tree (or part of it) to benefit wildlife, and especially birds? A snag of any height, or even a stump offers lots of advantages to birds.

Woodpeckers come to mind first, and who doesn’t want to attract such fascinating creatures, to observe up close and personal? From the charming little downy woodpecker, to the flickers, to the boldly colored red-headed woodpecker, or any of the myriad species of woodpeckers throughout the country…they all love snags and stumps!

And let’s not forget other cavity nesters, such as wood ducks and kestrels. Many of the gleaners (titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches) like the soft wood of an old snag - - - it’s easy to excavate.

Snags, stumps or even a couple logs left undisturbed, can yield a host of insects for foraging birds of all kinds. To add extra appeal plant some grasses and plants, to afford the birds a place to hide from predators. Birds appreciate the protection of a spot to duck in to!
All that’s left to do then is sit back and sharpen your bird identification skills as you watch your new birds!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell


To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell