Create a refuge for wildlife.

Plant native trees, shrubs and other vegetation to provide natural food, water, and cover for wildlife.

Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Allow natural predators (birds, bats, opossums, foxes, reptiles and amphibians) to control pests. Many birds are killed by "secondary poisoning": eating insects or rodents that have eaten a pesticide or rodenticide. Be aware of the food chain!

Where birds are colliding with windows or glass doors, hang hawk or owl silhouettes or spider web stickers. These "Bird Savers" can be purchased inexpensively at local nurseries

Avoid cutting or pruning trees during breeding season. It is illegal to disturb a bird's nes

Leave dead trees and stumps standing. They provide homes and food for many creatures.

Properly managed bird feeders, nest boxes, and baths are are another wonderful way to attract wildlife. Check out these pages for information on:

Attract wild birds: feeders and preferred foods

Suet Recipe

Native butterfly gardening

The Birdhouse Network
Building and placement instructions and live nestbox cams

Nest boxes for songbirds

Nest boxes for barred owls

Nest boxes for barn owls

Owl Nest Box Resource Page
Screech owl boxes are also suitable for kestrels, woodpeckers and flying squirrels.

Birds and Birdwatching:
Birdwatching Basics, Checklist of Florida's 480 species of birds, activities for kids and much more.

* Great-crested flycatchers love to nest in gourds. These photos were taken by St. Francis Wildlife volunteer, Kristin King.