Because of the continual expansion of our urban areas into the natural environment, city gardens, parks and open areas have become vital in sustaining wildlife; and with a bit of planning it’s possible to create a beautiful and sustainable sanctuary for birds and other wildlife in our suburban gardens.
Bird feeding is a wonderful activity to share with the whole family. Kids will love to help fill the feeders and be on the lookout for new bird visitors. This is a perfect opportunity to teach them about the fascinating world of birds, and a simple, enjoyable way to bring the family together to connect with nature.
When not to feed the birds
Whilst bird feeders allow us the enjoyment of viewing birds at close range in our gardens, the supplementary feeding of birds should always be done responsibly and be limited to urban areas.
As nature-lovers, we need to be mindful that the misuse of feeders may negatively affect birds, and even in urban settings the use of bird feeders should only provide birds with supplementary feeding, and not allowing them to become dependent on your food supply, and replacing the need for them to find their own food sources.
If you live in rural areas, or close to greenbelts or other natural wildlife areas of the country, it is not advised to feed the birds at all, as there is evidence to suggest that supplementary feeding may at times adversely influence bird behaviour, and long term supplementary feeding can influence bird populations and distributions.
Olive Thrush Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickrHowever, in times of extreme drought or after major fires we are encouraged to supply food and water to support and to ensure the survival of natural populations
In these regions it is recommended to rather plant indigenous plants as natural food sources.
Planting indigenous shrubs and trees to attract birds
Creating a garden where birds feel welcome and well-fed is incredibly rewarding, and the best way of supplying their needs is to plant indigenous shrubs and trees to attract them. If you have sufficient space, you can supply them with fruiting plants or those which produce seeds birds love to eat. Flowering plants rich in nectar will attract nectar eating birds like magnets, and both flowering and fruiting plants will also attract insects, which in turn will attract insect eating birds.
In my articles section under “Wildlife in the Garden” you will find articles and plant lists for attracting birds and other kinds of wildlife to the garden. Members can click here to read more.
Square House FeederIf space is limited feeders play an important role in attracting birds
Even if you only have a small balcony you could find a space to hang a small bird feeder or even a bird seed bell. If you’re really short on covered space out of the rain, a wall seed feeder is ideal, and a double bird feeder can be utilised to provide two types of food. Adding a hanging bird bath for water, a few potted plants and a seat, will create a peaceful little space to retreat too. You’ll be surprised how quickly our feathered friends learn to trust you, feeding within arms-reach, its magic!
Many common garden birds like the Cape Robin and Southern Masked-Weaver will visit seed feeders, and often gardeners will use two seed feeders - a small feeder for smaller birds and a larger one for larger birds and pigeons.
Fresh bird seed is the best, and depending on the weather, seed can last outside for up to two weeks.
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Foods that cater to the different bird species
Different birds have different tastes, so to maximise bird visits, offer a mix of foods that caters to the different species. Birds’ diets can also shift with the seasons, impacting what they eat. Knowing what birds eat seasonally or year-round can enhance your garden’s bird appeal.
Birds require a balanced diet, including macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Their dietary needs vary depending on their species and life stage, such as growth, reproduction, or migration.
Birds should be provided with natural and healthy sources of food such as seeds, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables, suet, meal worms and bone meal.
Understanding their diets will go a long way in knowing what and when to provide birds what they naturally require to be in good health.
WBT3RPeanut butter
Peanut butter is a good high-fat, high-protein food, and as long as you offer it with proper care, it's safe to feed to wild birds.
In South Africa, a variety of birds will readily consume peanut butter or fresh peanuts. Use raw peanuts, not roasted, and especially not salted.
Larger birds like Crows and Blue Jays are known to eat nuts, preferring whole nuts. Blue Jays are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, nuts, fruits, and even small animals. Peanuts are a favourite, and they also consume acorns and other nuts, as their strong bills allow them to crack open the shells.
Several small birds also enjoy eating nuts. Weavers, including Southern Masked Weavers, and Finches, such as Bronze Mannikins are known to including nuts in their diet. Even Barbets who primarily consume fruits and insects have been observed eating nuts.
The easiest way to offer peanut butter to smaller birds is in a special peanut butter treat feeder, and for larger birds a mesh, whole peanut holder works best.
Nectar
South Africa has many different species of nectar-loving birds, like Gurney's Sugarbird and the Cape Sugarbird, as well as the White-bellied, Malachite and Amethyst Sunbirds, the Cape Glossy Starling and Cape White-Eye.
Many birds like the Bronze Mannikin, Crested Barbet, the Southern Masked Weaver, and the Dark-capped Bulbul prefer a variety of foods including seeds, plant material, suet, insects and also nectar.
Bird-pollinated plants in South Africa have a 10-20% solution of either sucrose or glucose and fructose, or a mix of the three; therefore nectar feeders need only have a 10-20% sucrose (table sugar) solution.
Seed Slabs & HolderSeed & Suet
Seed feeders are perfect for a variety of wild birds like Cape Sparrows, Red-headed Finches, Bronze Mannikins, and Cape Canaries.
The larger feeders are best for bigger birds and the smaller ones will hopefully keep larger garden birds like pigeons away. Our “Go away Pigeon Bird Feeder” allows smaller birds to feed in peace without being harassed by pigeons.
Many seed eaters will appreciate a simple bird seed blend in your feeder, but many seed eaters like the sociable little Cape Sparrow also love suet, and a double or multipurpose bird feeder with a seed and a suet cake, is a simple way to invite them into your garden.
Suet and mealworms are wonderful for attracting high-energy insect-loving birds like the Crested Barbet, Southern Masked Weaver, and the Olive Thrush, or Fiscal Shrike. Suet is really appreciated during the cold winter months when insects are scarce.
Our Bird Basket Feeder can hold a Suet Slab and various other forms of food.
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Fruit Bird FeederFruit
Many birds, but especially fruit-eaters like Barbets, Bulbuls, Weavers and the Green Wood Hoopoe appreciate sliced apples, bananas, or soft veggies.
Fresh fruits are a summer favourite when natural fruit sources are in abundance, but fruit eaters will welcome some fresh fruit during the winter months.
The beautiful Blue Waxbill enjoys mixed seeds, suet, insects, and fruit, and the Red-faced Mousebird enjoys plant material, fruit, and also some nectar. Soft fruits like bananas or apples will appeal to them.
What foods to avoid
For nectar feeders do not use artificial sugar products and artificial colourants, especially xylitol which cannot be digested by birds and has been linked to the sudden death of nectar-feeding birds.
Do not use honey, as it is a complex sugar which birds do not naturally eat.
Additives like Bovril, Marmite, or any other protein supplement are a no-no, as are foods like cheese, milk and bread, which can be harmful as birds are lactose intolerant, and bread offers little nutritional value and may even harm them.
Do not use pesticides or chemical fertilisers
If you want to attract birds and other wildlife to the garden it is vital that you do not use chemical pesticides or fertilisers which could be hazardous to birds and insects.
Placing your bird feeder
When it comes to placing your bird feeder, naturally you would like to put it where you can enjoy watching the birds easily, but remember birds like to feel secure while they eat or drink, so try to hang your feeder in trees or close to shrubbery which will give them a quick escape if they sense danger. Make sure that they high enough to protect the birds from attacks by ground predators, such as domestic cats.
Some commercial bird feeders can be mounted to walls but these must also be kept high enough for the birds to feel safe.
If possible, site your bird feeder where it is protected from heavy rainfall.
Hanging Bird BathProvide Fresh Water
Water is essential and if you don’t have space for a traditional bird bath, hanging bird baths will work just as well. A double bird feeder can be used to supply both water and food.
Bird baths should also be placed in safe and secluded places in the garden, and should be cleaned out regularly.
Maintaining your bird feeder and bird bath
If possible, hang your bird feeder under a tree or in a sheltered spot, keeping it out of direct rain. If it is out in the open, after heavy rain or high humidity, check your feeder for any clumping or mould.
To keep birds healthy you will need to clean and disinfect your feeder and bird bath regularly to ensure that no old or mouldy food remains.