Wildlife and Gardens - Part 1: Well, I measure my wooded area in yards rather than acres, but I

» NancyS_5 - Well, I measure my wooded area in yards rather than acres, but I

Well, I measure my wooded area in yards rather than acres, but I do have trees on three sides and my house is close to a nature preserve that runs alongside the Hudson River (in the Bronx). The oddest thing I've seen is a pheasant, which strutted in my driveway for a few minutes one afternoon. We've also gotten hawks, which swoop down and carry off pigeons. Only rarely do we see anything like skunks or racoons. About once a year I spot a salamander, and there isn't enough water (just a small birdbath) to attract the attention of toads and frogs. My favorite birds are the cardinals and the woodpeckers. To encourage more, I've just planted three Rubus odoratus, a suckering raspberry relative that produces berries and grows wild near by. (It also has lovely deep pink flowers in the summer.) I'm also hoping that my new plantings of monarda and Joe Pye weed will attract more butterflies.
I'm looking forward to getting more tips.
Nancy

-- posted by NancyS_5