WV: Creating Butterfly and Bird Gardens

WLG 160 utterflies and Birds B Tom McCutcheon, WVU Extension Agent, Monongalia County Introduction Landscaping to attract wildlife has become very popular in recent years. This activity has been encouraged by the rediscovery of using native plants in the... More

WLG 160 utterflies and Birds B Tom McCutcheon, WVU Extension Agent, Monongalia County Introduction Landscaping to attract wildlife has become very popular in recent years. This activity has been encouraged by the rediscovery of using native plants in the landscape. Backyard butterfly and bird watching provides many hours of enjoyment and an invaluable connection with nature. The first step in transforming one’s yard into a suitable wildlife refuge is to understand the habits and needs of these fascinating creatures. Birds Birds can be divided into two groups – those that live in West Virginia during the summer and those that live here all year. The summer birds, known as “neotropical migrants,” spend the winter in warmer climates south of the U. S. border, but nest here in the summer when food is abundant. Some families of summer birds are warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers, thrushes, buntings, and swallows. Some resident birds that live in West Virginia year-round are the woo Less