Caring for your Birds

FEED AND WATER FOR YOUR BIRDS

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This will depend on the area or country you live in. There are hundreds and thousands of different types of birds in different countries. Every environment lends itself to different circumstances, therefore ideas and solutions to one problem in one country may be unsuitable for another.

WATER FEATURES AND SEEDS

You may wish to make a small water feature in your yard. Do not make it deep because small birds could drown. To make a small pond dig a shallow hole in the ground, making sure it is shallower around the edges. Lay a sheet of black plastic over the hole and put rocks around the edge of plastic to hold it down at the same time place some in the middle for the birds to rest on. If you add fish, they will have somewhere to hide. It is a good idea to cover with a wire mesh so the birds can drink but not fall in. This pond would also be great inside a planted aviary. Plants will add oxygen to the water.

Some households have big open back yards where a water feature would attract many varieties of wild birds. In this situation, you need to have it planted with an assortment of large and small plants and grasses. This would offer food, clean drinking water, and above all protection from the predators in that particular area. Avoid building in full sun as it could encourage algae to grow.

In Australia, we have a water shortage; therefore, it would be a good idea to plant many other types of grass seeds in short supply caused by the drought. Nearby, plant Sunflower, millet, and canary seed in a small garden. Other types of seed that birds like are thistle, safflower, corn, and nuts. Feed to the birds while green or pick and dry out for seed.

We have seen the blue wren, Willy wagtails, butcher, magpie, twenty-eights, galahs, kookaburra, and the crow in our back yard. We also see a variety of small finches darting in and out of the shrubs and the odd predator, like the kite and falcon.

Plant a mixture of shrubs, which would offer nectar from the flowers, and a source of protection for small birds. Try the Sage, lilacs, geraldton wax, or alder.

FEEDERS

There are many different types and shapes of feeders. If leaving feeders out overnight, then use semi closed in containers when feeding birds in the open areas. Once the seed becomes wet, it will go sour and could lead to the bird's death. If you have time to spend with them, place several trays out for birds to feed and bring inside when feeding is finished.

Feeders hung in trees will prevent contamination from rodents. This is prevalent in aviaries where mice breed, and can also urinate in the water if left on the ground. Birds will often fight for the right to feed first which may cause more spillage on the ground than they eat. To help prevent this, use another larger tray under the one holding the seed.

No matter where you live, try to encourage them to feed and frolic in your yard. They will give you hours of pleasure

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