As winter begins to loosen its grip and signs of spring start to emerge, February becomes a crucial month for wildlife care in European gardens. During this transitional period, wildlife needs support to survive the remaining cold days while preparing for the coming breeding season. By creating suitable habitats and being attentive to early visitors, you can transform your garden into a sanctuary for a variety of species. This guide will explore how to care for garden wildlife in February, focusing on habitat creation, feeding strategies, and identifying the early visitors that start to appear as winter wanes.
The Importance of February Wildlife Care
February is a month of change for both gardens and wildlife. As daylight increases and temperatures begin to rise, many species start to become more active, emerging from hibernation or returning from migration. However, natural food sources are still scarce, and the lingering cold can pose significant challenges. Providing a supportive environment in your garden is essential for helping wildlife thrive during this critical time.
Why Focus on Wildlife Care in February?
Supporting wildlife in February has multiple benefits:
- Encouraging Biodiversity: By providing food and shelter, you can attract a diverse range of species to your garden, contributing to the overall health of the local ecosystem.
- Early Breeding Support: Many birds and mammals begin to prepare for the breeding season in February. Offering the right resources can help them build nests and rear their young successfully.
- Enhancing Garden Vitality: A garden rich in wildlife is not only vibrant and interesting but also more resilient. Birds, insects, and other animals play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and soil health.
Creating Habitats for Wintering Wildlife
One of the most effective ways to support wildlife in February is by creating or enhancing habitats in your garden. Even small changes can make a big difference in providing shelter and resources for a wide range of species.
1. Building Shelter: Log Piles and Compost Heaps
Shelter is vital for many animals during the winter months. Creating habitats like log piles and compost heaps offers refuge from the cold and protection from predators.
A. Log Piles
Log piles are an excellent way to provide shelter for a variety of creatures, from insects to small mammals. They mimic the natural woodland floor, offering a place for wildlife to hide, hibernate, and forage.
- Construction: To build a log pile, gather logs of various sizes and stack them loosely in a sheltered corner of your garden. Include some smaller branches and twigs to create additional nooks and crannies.
- Location: Place the log pile in a shaded area to keep it cool and moist. This environment is particularly attractive to amphibians like frogs and newts, as well as a range of insects.
- Maintenance: Log piles require minimal maintenance. Allow them to decompose naturally, which will increase their value as a habitat over time.
B. Compost Heaps
Compost heaps not only recycle garden waste but also serve as a warm, nutrient-rich habitat for wildlife.
- Construction: Build a compost heap using layers of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Turn the compost regularly to maintain aeration, but avoid disturbing it too much if it’s being used as a wildlife habitat.
- Wildlife Benefits: Compost heaps are particularly valuable for hedgehogs, who may use them as a nesting site, and for insects that contribute to the decomposition process.
- Winter Tips: In February, the warmth generated by the composting process can be especially attractive to cold-blooded creatures like slow worms and beetles. Ensure there are entry points for these animals to access the heap.
2. Enhancing Garden Borders: Hedgerows and Dense Shrubs
Hedgerows and dense shrubs offer critical shelter and nesting sites for birds, small mammals, and insects. Enhancing these areas in your garden can provide a lifeline for wildlife during the coldest months.
A. Planting and Maintaining Hedgerows
Hedgerows are living boundaries that provide year-round benefits to wildlife. In February, they offer shelter from harsh weather and a safe place for early nest building.
- Planting: If you don’t already have a hedgerow, February is a good time to plant one. Use a mix of native species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and holly, which provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.
- Maintenance: Trim your hedgerow in late winter to encourage dense growth. However, avoid heavy pruning in February if birds are already starting to nest. A gentle trim is sufficient to keep the hedgerow healthy.
- Wildlife Support: Hedgerows offer nesting sites for birds like robins and wrens, while also providing cover for small mammals such as hedgehogs and voles. The dense structure is also a safe haven for insects.
B. Dense Shrubs and Thickets
Shrubs and thickets add structure to your garden and are vital for providing shelter to a range of species.
- Choosing Shrubs: Select native or wildlife-friendly shrubs such as dogwood, elderberry, and bramble. These plants not only offer shelter but also provide food in the form of berries and seeds.
- Planting Tips: Group shrubs together to create dense thickets, which are particularly attractive to nesting birds. Plant them along garden borders or in corners to create natural windbreaks.
- Wildlife Benefits: Dense shrubs are essential for birds like blackbirds and thrushes, which nest close to the ground. They also attract pollinators when they flower in the spring and summer.
3. Installing Wildlife Homes: Nest Boxes and Insect Hotels
Artificial wildlife homes can supplement natural habitats, offering additional nesting and shelter options for garden visitors.
A. Nest Boxes for Birds
February is the perfect time to install or clean out nest boxes, giving birds a head start on the breeding season.
- Choosing the Right Box: Different bird species have different nesting requirements. For example, blue tits prefer small, enclosed boxes with a 25mm entrance hole, while robins favor open-fronted boxes placed in sheltered locations.
- Placement Tips: Position nest boxes away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight, ideally facing north or east. Ensure they are at least 2-4 meters above the ground to protect from predators.
- Maintenance: Clean out any old nesting material from the previous year to reduce the risk of parasites. If installing a new box, do so early in the month to give birds time to discover it.
B. Insect Hotels
Insect hotels provide shelter for beneficial insects such as solitary bees, ladybirds, and lacewings, which are vital for pollination and pest control.
- Building an Insect Hotel: Use a variety of materials such as hollow stems, wood, bark, and stones to create different compartments within the hotel. Each material will attract different insect species.
- Location: Place the insect hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot to attract the widest range of insects. South-facing positions are ideal, as they receive the most warmth.
- Wildlife Benefits: Insects like solitary bees use the hollow stems for nesting, while ladybirds and lacewings may overwinter in the crevices. These insects will help pollinate plants and control pests as the weather warms.
Feeding Strategies for Winter Wildlife
In February, natural food sources remain scarce, and supplemental feeding can be crucial for the survival of many garden species. By offering a variety of foods, you can attract a diverse range of wildlife to your garden.
1. Feeding Birds: Seeds, Suet, and Fresh Water
Birds are some of the most frequent visitors to winter gardens, and providing food and water can make a significant difference to their survival during the colder months.
A. Seed Mixes and Feeders
Seed mixes are a staple for winter bird feeding, offering a balanced diet that caters to a variety of species.
- Seed Types: Include a mix of sunflower seeds, peanuts, millet, and nyjer seeds to attract a broad range of birds, from finches and sparrows to tits and woodpeckers.
- Feeder Placement: Place feeders in safe, accessible locations, preferably near cover such as trees or shrubs. This provides protection from predators and harsh weather.
- Regular Refilling: In cold weather, birds consume more food to maintain their body heat. Check and refill feeders regularly to ensure a consistent food supply.
B. Suet and Fat Balls
High-energy foods like suet and fat balls are essential for birds during winter, providing the calories they need to stay warm.
- Suet Cakes: Suet cakes are easy to hang and can be enriched with seeds, nuts, and dried fruit for added nutrition. They are particularly attractive to woodpeckers, starlings, and tits.
- Fat Balls: Fat balls are another popular option, offering a convenient way to provide fat-rich food. Ensure they are hung securely and not left in plastic nets, which can be hazardous to birds.
- DIY Options: Consider making your own suet mixes by combining beef fat or lard with birdseed, oats, and mealworms. This allows you to tailor the mix to the preferences of the birds in your garden.
C. Fresh Water Supply
A fresh water supply is just as important as food, especially when natural water sources are frozen.
- Water Dishes: Provide a shallow dish of fresh water in your garden, making sure it is kept clean and ice-free. In freezing conditions, consider using a birdbath heater to prevent the water from freezing.
- Regular Maintenance: Check water sources daily to ensure they are accessible. Even a small amount of water can make a big difference to thirsty birds.
- Additional Benefits: A water source also attracts other wildlife, such as insects and small mammals, adding to the biodiversity of your garden.
2. Feeding Mammals: Hedgehogs, Squirrels, and Foxes
While birds are often the focus of winter feeding, small mammals like hedgehogs, squirrels, and foxes can also benefit from supplemental feeding in February.
A. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs may still be in hibernation during February, but in milder conditions, they can wake up and search for food.
- Supplemental Feeding: If you notice hedgehogs in your garden, provide them with cat food, dog food, or specialist hedgehog food. Avoid offering bread and milk, as these can cause digestive issues.
- Feeding Stations: Use a feeding station or place food in a sheltered area to protect it from the weather and prevent other animals from accessing it.
- Water Supply: Ensure there is a shallow dish of water available for hedgehogs, especially if they are active during mild spells.
B. Squirrels
Squirrels remain active throughout winter and can struggle to find enough food, particularly if their stored supplies are depleted.
- Nuts and Seeds: Offer unsalted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts to squirrels. These can be placed in squirrel feeders or scattered on the ground.
- Fruit and Vegetables: Fresh fruits like apples and pears, along with vegetables such as carrots, can provide additional nutrients.
- Squirrel Feeders: Install a squirrel feeder to protect the food from other animals and ensure that squirrels can access it easily.
C. Foxes
Foxes are opportunistic feeders and may visit your garden in search of food during the winter months.
- Leftover Meat: Offer small amounts of cooked meat, such as chicken or turkey, ensuring it is free from seasoning and bones.
- Wildlife-Friendly Approach: Place food in a secluded part of your garden to minimize human interaction and encourage natural foraging behavior.
- Water Source: Provide fresh water for foxes, especially during periods of freezing weather when natural water sources may be inaccessible.
Spotting Early Visitors in February
As the days lengthen and temperatures begin to rise, many species start to emerge or return to the garden. February is an exciting time for wildlife enthusiasts, with the opportunity to spot early visitors and observe their behavior.
1. Early Birds: Robins, Tits, and Thrushes
Several bird species are among the first to become active in February, making it a great time to observe their early nesting and feeding behaviors.
A. Robins
Robins are one of the most recognizable garden birds and are often active throughout the winter. In February, they begin to establish territories and seek out nesting sites.
- Nesting Behavior: Watch for robins gathering materials for nest building. They often prefer open-fronted nest boxes or dense shrubs.
- Feeding Habits: Robins are attracted to mealworms, suet, and seeds. They are also ground feeders, so scatter some food on the ground to encourage their presence.
- Song and Communication: Listen for the robin’s distinctive song, which they use to defend their territory and attract mates during this time.
B. Tits
Great tits, blue tits, and coal tits are common early visitors to gardens in February, often seen in flocks as they search for food.
- Nesting Preparations: These birds will begin exploring potential nesting sites, including nest boxes. Ensure boxes are clean and ready for use.
- Feeding Preferences: Tits are particularly fond of peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. Offer a variety of foods to attract them to your garden.
- Social Behavior: Tits are known for their acrobatic feeding habits and social interactions. Observe their playful behavior as they navigate feeders and interact with each other.
C. Thrushes
Thrushes, including song thrushes and mistle thrushes, are early risers in the garden, often seen foraging for worms and berries.
- Feeding Grounds: Thrushes prefer open areas of lawn or soil where they can find invertebrates. Leave some areas of your garden unturned to provide feeding opportunities.
- Nesting Sites: Thrushes typically build nests in hedgerows or dense shrubs. Consider planting suitable vegetation to encourage nesting in your garden.
- Distinctive Calls: Thrushes are known for their melodic songs, which can be heard more frequently as they establish territories and prepare for breeding.
2. Early Pollinators: Bees and Butterflies
As temperatures rise, early pollinators like bees and butterflies may begin to emerge, especially during warm spells in February.
A. Bees
Solitary bees and bumblebees are among the first pollinators to become active in late winter, searching for early-blooming flowers.
- Early Blooms: Plant early-flowering species such as snowdrops, crocuses, and hellebores to provide nectar for emerging bees. These flowers are a vital food source when other plants are still dormant.
- Bee Hotels: Insect hotels with small, hollow tubes are ideal for solitary bees. Position these in a sunny spot to attract bees looking for nesting sites.
- Water Source: Provide a shallow dish of water with pebbles or stones for bees to land on and drink from.
B. Butterflies
While most butterflies remain dormant until spring, some species, like the brimstone and peacock butterflies, may emerge early during warm periods.
- Shelter and Nectar: Ensure there are sheltered spots in your garden where butterflies can bask in the sun. Early-blooming flowers also provide essential nectar.
- Overwintering Sites: Leave leaf piles and ivy undisturbed, as these are common overwintering sites for butterflies. Disturbing these areas can disrupt their hibernation and affect their survival.
3. Amphibians: Frogs and Newts
Amphibians such as frogs and newts may begin to emerge from hibernation in February, especially if temperatures rise significantly.
A. Frogs
Frogs are often the first amphibians to become active, making their way to ponds and other water bodies to breed.
- Pond Maintenance: If you have a garden pond, ensure it is clean and free from ice. Frogs require open water for breeding and laying eggs.
- Frogspawn: Watch for frogspawn appearing in your pond. Protect it from freezing by floating a ball or using a pond heater if necessary.
- Shelter: Provide log piles and leaf litter near the pond to offer shelter for frogs when they are not in the water.
B. Newts
Newts, particularly smooth and palmate newts, may also start to emerge in February as they prepare for breeding.
- Habitat Creation: Create a suitable habitat by adding rocks, logs, and dense vegetation around your pond. These provide hiding spots and places for newts to lay eggs.
- Observing Newts: Newts are more secretive than frogs but can be observed in shallow water or under rocks near the pond. Early morning and evening are the best times to spot them.
Conclusion
February is a pivotal month for garden wildlife, offering opportunities to support and observe a wide range of species as they emerge from winter. By creating habitats, providing food, and keeping an eye out for early visitors, you can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife. Whether you’re welcoming birds, bees, or amphibians, the efforts you make now will help ensure a thriving, biodiverse garden throughout the year. With careful planning and attention to the needs of wildlife, your garden can become a vital refuge during the final stretch of winter and a vibrant ecosystem as spring approaches.
