Page 12 - Spring 2021

Backyard transformed into bird sanctuary
Story by Michael Prochaska Photos by Michelle McNeill
All it took was one acre for the McNeill family to create an oasis for wildlife.
Before moving last year from the one-acre lot to 10
acres, Michelle and Reeves McNeill had their backyard certified by the National Wildlife Federation and the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society. As an official wildlife sanctuary, their land became a source of food, water and shelter for animals of all kinds, especially birds.
The family is fortunate to have nice hardwoods, which helps with the birdlife. Daily visitors include brown thrashers, mockingbirds, bluebirds, warblers, several types of woodpeckers and hummingbirds.
“When I’m outside and listening to the birds, I feel close to God,” said Michelle. “Being in nature brings you peace. God’s creations are amazing.”
The McNeill’s backyard is a retreat. After a busy day, they love to smell the sweet scents and listen to the choir of birds singing. Sometimes, Michelle will quiz her two daughters on the
names of plants and birds.
“I want them to grow up with the same appreciation of nature
that their parents have,” said Michelle. “I feel like sometimes we get distracted and don’t take the time to enjoy the beauty that is all around us, even as close as our own backyards.”
Nature also has a way of bringing people together.
sMichael Prochaska is editor of OCONEE THE MAGAZINE and The Oconee Enterprise newspaper in Watkinsville, Ga. PAGE 10 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021