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Birds

• Change birdbath water frequently to keep it fresh and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Scrub baths to keep them clean and remove mold that can make it slippery for birds. Birds prefer water that is no more than 2 inches deep.
• Welcome back hummingbirds! Hummingbirds usually return by the beginning of April. Fill feeders with a solution of 1 part sugar in 4 parts water. Boil for 2–4 minutes to dissolve all sugar, then cool. Wash feeders and replace the food at least twice weekly Most plants with tube-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds. Note that cultivated hybrids often make less nectar than wild strains.

Deer & Rabbits

Expect deer and rabbits to look for food in your garden because their natural forage is scarce. Many woody and herbaceous evergreens are at risk! Determine whether damage is from deer or rabbits so that you can choose an appropriate protection strategy. Rabbits cut vegetation cleanly, while deer tear vegetation.

• Because it is very difficult to deter hungry deer, the best protection is exclusion. If a deer fence is not an option, try using cages made of wire fencing around individual plants. Deer-repellent sprays may be helpful but are best used before browsing has begun and should be varied through the season to ensure that deer don’t learn to ignore the scent or taste. Most need to be reapplied after a rain. Taste repellents must also be reapplied so that new growth is protected.
  Deer-resistant Plants
  Deer damage
  Using Commercial Deer Repellents to Manage Deer Browsing in the Landscape
• Low fencing will exclude rabbits provided that burrowing is prevented. Repellents are not particularly effective.
  Rabbits