HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN

Bird-friendly plants

The best feeding programme for birds is to plant shrubs and trees which offer nature's menu. Aloes, watsonias, lion’s ears, red-hot pokers and many more, just ask your local garden centre, will attract nectar-feeding birds such as the sunbird. Seed-eating birds are attracted to the seed heads of grasses and grains.  Plant patches of mixed bird seed and you'll be fascinated to see the response from local birds. Seed eaters also thrive on the seeds of ordinary daisies. Leave the dried-out dead heads of daisies for as long as you can to give the birds time to take most of the seed at the end of summer. To attract fruit-eating birds, such as the Loeries or Crested Barbets, plant fruit-producing plants. Did you know that the local weavers, sparrows, loeries, sunbirds and even crested barbets will flock to your garden if you discover how to plant up bird-friendly plants or install a nesting box, bird feeder or bird bath in your garden. 

Water for birds

Every garden should have a birdbath in the quieter part of the garden preferably near thick foliage and established trees so that the birds can perch nearby and not feel exposed. Avoid placing a bird bath directly underneath tree branches, as falling leaves and bird droppings may soil the water. Keep the bird bath topped up over winter, as many birds will frequently visit to drink and bath. Bird baths come in various shapes and sizes.

Feed the birds

Feeding stations for garden birds come in a range of shapes and sizes. 

Feeders can be hung from a tree branch. You can use any of our birdbaths as feeders, ideal to place seeds or fruit in them for the birds to come and enjoy or hang a spiral fruit feeder. For the really dedicated, consider breeding your own mealworm colony, which will provide a delicious treat for grub-feeding birds.

Create an oasis and safe haven for birds in your garden

Wild bird numbers are in decline worldwide due to, among other things, agricultural programmes, afforestation, mining and urban growth that is slowly destroying their natural habitats.

Smaller habitats mean less room for safe shelter and food, but your garden can become a safe haven for the birds in your area. Giving these birds a helping hand in their never-ending hunt for food, not only during winter but throughout the year, can help support local populations of wild birds.