By Kerry Johnston
All you need to attract birds is food, water, a habitat that encourages them to stay awhile and a fair degree of patience.
On the menu
Firstly, offer an assortment of food and feeders. Tray feeders appeal to seed eaters and can be anchored to a pole or hung from a tree. The best tray feeders have drainage holes and removable bottoms for easy cleaning. This is important as tray feeders offer zero protection against wet weather and damp seeds lead to fungal and bacterial growth. Bird droppings can also soil seed, so offer enough seed to last for only a day or two. Some tray feeders even have spikes to hold fruit. Another popular feeder is a seed-dispersing tube with a feeding plate and perch attached to the bottom. As the birds feed, the seeds drop down and spread over the plate. House (or hopper) feeders are attractive and can hold enough seed to last several days, making them convenient. If you want to see a feeder from your window, place it within three feet of the window. Any further and it becomes dangerous, since birds will fly toward the feeder at speed and may hit the glass.
Sunflower seeds are a favourite of most birds. Avoid cheap seed mixes that contain red millet, flax, oats and other ‘fillers’ that birds dislike. Fallen leaves and logs in the garden encourage insects, grubs and worms, which attract insect feeders.
Be water wise
Moving water attracts birds for drinking and preening as it catches their eye. Opt for misters, drippers or ground bubblers rather than a standard birdbath. If you have the space and budget, consider a large water feature with a fountain or waterfall effect. Flowing water also stays cleaner for longer and is less likely to harbour parasites or bacteria.
Coming home to roost
Place nest boxes, birdhouses or hollowed-out logs in your yard to encourage breeding. Keep in mind though that not all birds use a bird house to build a nest in. Some build nests on tree branches, on the ground or anywhere that seems suitable. The main thing is to make your garden inviting and keep the food and water coming. Do that and you’re sure to find feathers on your doorstep.
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