THE weather has been kind to us lately, and changes in the season are now becoming evident. Have you organised your planting for the summer?
Don’t forget that springtime brings out the magpies and the plovers. Fiercely dependent on raising their young without human intervention, these birds can attack a person, sometimes leaving a nasty cut.
A hat, umbrella, or something similar to keep them away would be wise to have close at hand to ward off these intruders. Should you have tall trees nearby, it would be prudent to keep a wary eye out over the next month or so.
Birds can be intimidating at times, but nearly all are nature’s little pest gatherers. They hop from branch to branch, tree to tree, looking for the slightest movement that tells them they can find dinner under the next leaf.
Watch them in your garden as they move from plant to plant – some searching for insects, others for the sweet nectar in the flowers you grow.
Even around the house – on the screens, on railings, or in your potted plants on a table or verandah – you’ll find them rummaging through the leaves in search of their next meal.
Encourage birds into your garden: provide a birdbath, and on a hot day you’ll see how much they enjoy the refreshment.
Of course, it must be kept clean and placed in a shady spot so the water doesn’t get too warm. Create layers of bushes leading to the birdbath; this creates a protective place where they feel safe.
Provide habitat for them to hide in, a place of safety as they prune their feathers. Native plants of different varieties can attract a wide range of birds to your garden.
Unfortunately, cats and birds don’t get on too well. If you have a cat, it’s best not to install a birdbath, or at least keep your pet indoors.
Just like a lovely garden, birds of different types can often lift your spirits. Their songs are sometimes beautiful to listen to, and the various small, brightly coloured finches and robins are a joy to behold.
Your garden can become a vital habitat for native birdlife, many of which rely on gardens to survive. So, as well as growing a productive garden, perhaps you can help the environment at the same time.
A birdbath can be something as simple as a flat dish just a few centimetres deep, with higher sides to stop the water splashing out as the birds enjoy themselves.
Till next time.
