A Wealth of Cover

A recent backyard wildlife workshop impressed on me more greatly the value of cover to our bird friends. It is always desirable to provide some cover against predation (and other needs such as resting). Even the most modest shrub possesses this virtue. But more is better, and more layers is better still. We're fortunate to have high tree canopy of both pines and hardwoods, midlevel young trees and tall shrubs, vines, and low shrubs and low level vegetation. Our birds have a full spectrum of cover in which to rest, hide, roost, and forage. The secret? Add here and there over time, avoid clear cutting of every green thing, and taking advantage of natural opportunities. Let it build and they will come!