{Our Backyard Wildlife HABITAT Certificate from August 1997}

As you might have read the previous blogs about {Our Home of almost 20 years} and {205 Winfield Road Then and Now}, you have a little bit of an idea how we live. It was in August 1997 that we received our Backyard Wildlife HABITAT Certificate from the National Wildlife Federation. This only after sending in proof that our property provides the four basic elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. It took lots of writing and numerous photos.

Just walk around the property with me to see those four basic elements...

Evergreen magnolia tree for sheltering birds from rain and predators.

Streaming water because a creek runs through our property.

Under the Orontium Aquaticum fish can hide and find shelter.

Let's cross one of our three bridges to have a view from our wood garden.

Trees are quite tall but they create a perfect habitat for numerous birds and other animals.

We've seen raccoons and even a red fox drinking from our pond. Squirrels and chipmunks are very well represented too.

Birdhouses, bird feeders and hummingbird feeders are everywhere.

We enjoy an almost daily concert of birds and can watch them from our bay window and of course from our gazebo.

Our dogwood tree blooming

A hummingbird feeder.

There is pollen for the bees and bumblebees... pink dogwood.

 We also planted special shrubs to attract butterflies.

Ducks come to our pond each year for breeding.

Mallard ducks with reflection of the gazebo in the pond.

Our bench/table next to the pond.

Back can be tilted to convert to table.

Across the creek we keep branches and clippings from tree pruning, for a shelter where birds and chipmunks can live.

Hard work does pay off!