Winterizing benefits backyard wildlife

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I'm sitting at the keyboard on a glorious autumn afternoon, watching a junco bathe in one of our watering trays that we set out around the property.

This simple activity reminds me that it is time to prepare for winter weather with an eye towards providing for our wildlife friends. In this case, it means getting the birdbath warmers out and checking to see whether the thermostats are still working.

Having open water available is probably the single most important factor in wildlife survival through our Southern Oregon winters.

We locate our shallow trays in several spots in order to avoid the squabbles and bullying that sometimes accompany an overcrowded birdbath. An added plus is that we get to see many more birds visiting throughout the day.

We stopped feeding the birds several years ago. Actually, that statement is untrue. We stopped buying bird food at that time. We continue to feed the birds, but with natural sources of food. I am not against bird feeding. It's just that we did it too well.

We progressed from putting out a single feeder filled with mixed wild bird food through providing many different types of seed for the many species of winter birds. We had niger thistle for the goldfinches, black oil sunflower seed for the Stellers jays, cracked corn for the quail and so on.

It was a fun and fascinating hobby. We studied and learned and shared our peanut butter. Pretty soon, we had less and less peanut butter for ourselves and more and more birds. We eventually settled on a plan that would benefit both us and the birds: we would plant for their winter supply of food, and that way we would enjoy the shrubs and flowers along with them while providing a natural source of winter food.

Allowing the seed heads of plants like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers and gloriosa daisies to stand after flowering will please the finches, who once almost drove us into bankruptcy with their voracious appetites. Allowing milkweed to grow not only encourages butterflies, it is also an excellent seed source.

Take advantage of the fact that there will be less fall cleanup, too. It may take a bit of getting used to, but the winter interest added to the garden by these standing plants is quite enjoyable. Do the same with ornamental grasses, autumn joy sedums and many of the perennials that bloom in late summer and fall. All are bounteous producers of food.

Many well-known shrubs and trees can provide both food and shelter from stormy weather for wildlife. Snowberry is one of my favorite berried shrubs that is easy to grow, even in shade. Many viburnums thrive in our climate with their metallic blue fruits being particularly attractive. Holly, pyracantha and cotoneasters all are adorned with beautiful berries that are a much needed and appreciated source of winter fuel for the feathered set.

A fall stroll through your favorite nursery will reveal many other lesser-known but equally suitable plants. Just keep your eyes open and ask questions of the staff. It is almost invariable that those who love plants are also fond of birds. I guess it's the nurturer in us.

A few dense evergreen trees or large shrubs will add to the hospitality of your winter landscape. I know that my rows of incense cedar are appreciated every winter when the snow falls by the number of bird tracks I see coming and going from under their branches. Any similar plant of the size and density to block the cold wind will do the trick. Whether a towering fir or pine, or just a tall hedge of photinia, it will provide protection against winter's icy blasts.

For years now I have been taking advantage of my laziness and letting it benefit wildlife. Starting in summer, I begin piling branches in several areas around the property and allow them to stay through the winter. This provides shelter for birds, small mammals and insects. Yes, in order to have a healthy garden we must provide for the beneficial insects, too.

Stan Mapolski, aka The Rogue Gardener, can be heard from 9-11 a.m. Sunday mornings on KMED 1440 AM and seen on KTVL-TV Ch. 10 every Wednesday during the 5 p.m. news. Reach him at stanmapolski@yahoo.com.

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