How to Create A Backyard Oasis for Winter Wildlife

Provide Food

Table scraps — such as fruit and bread (but not white bread) — seeds and unsalted nuts, particularly peanuts, are all great food sources for birds and rodents that might struggle to find sustenance during the winter. Buy a bird feeder or a suet feeder and watch wildlife flock to your garden. Don’t feed deer, though, as this is actually harmful. Attracting large animals means you could potentially attract cougars and coyotes too, and increase big wildlife’s chances of being hit by cars.

Top Up Those Water Sources

Fresh water is vital to keep animals alive during the winter months. Buy a bird bath, or even something simple as a vessel that won’t crack when it freezes over. The vessel will need to be high up, so rodents don’t fall in. Make sure you check the water hasn’t iced over, something that’s especially important if you have a pond. Not only will that trap invertebrates and frogs inside, but it reduces oxygen for fish. Never tip boiling water over the ice though, as this could harm, and even kill, the fish living below. You can place a small floating object, such as a ball, on the water surface to prevent it from completely freezing over.

Plant Ahead for Next Year

Plant as many native evergreens as you can, including low-growing plants such as ferns. These provide year-round protection from predators, as well as a place for birds to roost and raise their young. There’s the added bonus of that butterflies and moths lay their eggs on evergreens. If you are able to, plant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to provide natural food sources. Winter fruit -bearing trees are even better; holly, apple, cotoneasters and firethorns are all great to plant.

Don't Prune Your Flowers

They may not look pretty, but leaving the dried heads of various flowers means that it’s easier for birds to forage seeds during the winter. So don’t cut back your wildflowers, sunflowers, roses, and coneflowers, and instead leave them out for the birds to feed. If you have cut back your perennials, bundle the stems together and leave them in a secluded area, they provide shelter for insects.