NINE SIMPLE TIPS FROM EXPERT HERMAN VAN NIEKERK
At
the start of #BirdFeedingMonth, we found ourselves asking, Are we actually giving the birds in our gardens what they need? You
might be putting out some food, hoping to attract as much birdlife as possible –
but at what cost?
We caught up with Herman
van Niekerk, author of Briza’s Sappi Birds of South Africa,
for some expert insights.
Figure 1:
Sappi Birds of South Africa
“Most
cities and towns have developed as extended bushland or forest areas because of
the gardening practices of owners,” says van Niekerk. “Of course the result is an
influx of birds from their natural habitats which is wonderful news for city
and town dwellers who can now enjoy birdwatching in their own gardens.”
In
response to our question – What do the
wild birds need from our gardens? – van Niekerk asserts that there are in
fact ways to optimise the environment for the birds in your garden so that just
as your garden is a birdwatching oasis, just so it is the wild birds’ sanctuary.
Make an environment that birds will not only frequent, but will even select for
breeding.
Herman van Niekerk relays the following tips for creating a bird-friendly environment.
1. Birds need shelter and places that
accommodate their food and water needs but remember that they feel more
comfortable to approach these places through plants and thickets. So think of the
birds, right from the start when you plan your garden, keeping in mind that the
critters generally don’t want to be too exposed.
Furthermore, if you want birds to
breed on your property, they will require a fairly dense, secluded and peaceful
area to do so. Do not remove all nest-building material such as leaves, twigs
or feathers from your flowerbeds; birds require them for nesting. And never disturb
the breeding birds.
2. Consider whether your pets and the
birds you welcome into your garden can live together – cats are notorious for
catching birds! Even your neighbour's cat will soon learn to catch the birds that
gather at your feeding place. If you are serious about birds, rather don’t keep
a cat and do speak to your neighbours
about their cats’ behaviour. You can however fence off an area to keep dogs
away; dogs tend not to eat birds but may simply acquire the habit of barking at
them and chasing them away.
3. It is more important to provide birds
with fresh water than it is to supply them food. There are usually various food
sources in the veld but water scarcity is common – especially during dry spells
and in winter. Good, clean water is required daily.
4. Speaking of water, many species of
birds like to bath. Give them a water trough that is deep but varied overall
(use stepping stones) so that smaller and
larger birds can drink and bath there. That said, there are species that prefer
a shower over a bath. A sprinkler placed in the lush undergrowth of a shrub
will attract a large number of visitors such as manikins and white-eyes.
Figure 2:
Ensure there is a water source for drinking and bathing (Source: Unsplash)
Then, take note of Herman’s additional tips that concern bird feeding specifically.
5. When feeding birds, one should provide
for both the seedeaters who typically
prefer to feed on the ground, and the fruit-eaters
who feed in trees. A bowl on the ground with a roof to protect it against the
rain would be sufficient for seedeaters and nails in the lower branches of
trees will suffice as fruit skewers for the fruit-eaters.
Also consider nectar eaters who frequently take nectar (sap) from fruit and
plants such as lilies or succulents with a tubular flower, or drink form a
feeding bottle containing diluted sugar water. Place these in your garden and
you’ll attract true nectar feeders such as the sunbirds. Then there are the insect eaters
that will normally hawk insects in the air from a specific perch that they
continually return to. This is normally close to a source of insects such as a
compost heap or fish pond, or near your feeding place as fruit that you put out
also attract gnats and flies. Some
people breed mealworms or catch crickets to supplement their bird's nutritional
intake.
6. Seed can be purchased at most retail
grocers; you can use a garden mix, wild birdseed or budgie seed. It is a good idea
to alternate between these seeds as certain birds have certain preferences.
7. As for fruit, birds mostly enjoy apple
and banana. It can be supplemented with watermelon, pears, pawpaw and even
vegetables such as beans and carrots. You will soon learn what the birds in
your area prefer. Leftover bread and porridge can also be put out for the birds
to gobble.
Figure 3:
Fruit-eaters tend to enjoy apple and banana
8. In cities one sometimes experience a very large number of doves coming to a garden feeding place which prevents most smaller birds from using the feeding tray. There’s an easy solution! Construct a feeding place using a 5-litre water bottle and mesh that spans the entrance, thus preventing the doves from entering. The doves will then feed on the ground (bread and porridge) while the true seedeaters will have exclusive use of the feeding bottle.
Must
I feed the birds daily? A crucial question, that Herman answers
here.
9. Do not make the birds too dependent on your feedlot. There will be times that you are away for a long period, and this will put stress on the birds if they rely too much on you. Rather feed them three out of seven days each week, so that they fend for themselves on the other four days.
Finally,
van Niekerk encourages the whole family to foster an interest in birds. “You
can start a bird tick list complete with images that all family members can
contribute to. Include birds that visit the garden, of course, but also those
flying over the property. For most properties you could have a list of at least
50 bird species, which is quite amazing!”
So
from us and Mr Herman van Niekerk himself, we wish you all hours of happy birding
in a happy, bird-friendly haven – especially now that you have a bit of insight
on what your dear little feathery garden visitors need. And may
#BirdFeedingMonth be a fruitful one!
Comments
Post a Comment