wildlifeprotectionprogram

Fall and winter doesn’t mean your garden has to go on hiatus. Since some birds will also use roost boxes to stay warm in the winter, you can keep your yard bustling all year long by providing a cozy abode for these feathered friends.

These birds include ones that nest in tree cavities or birdhouses in spring—such as bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, screech owls and some woodpeckers.

Providing shelter is one of the key elements to ensuring your yard is a welcoming space for wildlife.

Turn your yard, balcony or garden into an official Certified Wildlife Habitat^® site, and you can be sure you are doing your part for your neighborhood birds all year round.

Here are 4 tips for luring birds in—and helping them out!

1. Try a prefabricated box. Look for boxes where the entrance holes are near the bottom instead of in the middle or near the top. The idea is that hot air rises, so a low entrance hole keeps warm air from leaking out.
2. Leave nest boxes up all winter. Some evidence suggests roosting birds prefer boxes mounted 10 feet high or more in winter—possibly because birds feel safer up high.
3. Winterize your birdhouse. If reusing a spring nest box that has large ventilation holes (which keep the summer sun from overheating the interior), consider blocking them to keep out the draft. Don’t seal the box up too tight though, since most birds like to check out a roost box before calling it home.
4. Protect the box from predators. Since most bird predators can climb trees and wooden posts, opt for a metal pole to mount the box instead.

Certify your yard, garden or other outdoor space as an official Certified Wildlife Habitat^® site, and you’ll join a network of the most dedicated gardeners who go the extra mile for local birds.

We’ll encourage and assist you with tips and advice all year, plus you’ll be entitled to all of the great benefits listed to the right, including a free garden flag.

Birds and other neighborhood wildlife need you this season—certify today!