BACKYARD BUFFET

THE BEST WAY TO PROVIDE food for wildlife is to preserve and restore the local native plant communities that have supported them for thousands of years. However, you can use feeders to supplement the natural food typically provided through native plants. Maintaining feeders is also a great way to observe wildlife up close.

BENEFITS AND LIMITS OF FEEDERS

Studies have shown that birds rely on natural food sources first and use feeders only to supplement their diets. Wild birds won’t become unnaturally dependent on feeders or starve when you go on vacation. Instead, they use feeders the same way they use a berry-laden shrub: They eat the available food, and