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Bring on the birds : Local nurseries and designers have a huge selection of creative feeders and nests. Our favourites include Joe Paine's Fold Feeder, Ronel Jordaan's Felt Weavers' Nests and Bamboo Nests, and Nectar Feeders from Colourful Splendour Nursery. -
Bring on the birds : Make your own bird treats or buy them from the pet store or nursery. -
Bring on the birds : Ask your local nursery about bird-attracting plants that will best suit your space. -
Bring on the birds : City dwellers can also create an oasis for their feathered friends. Go vertical by making use of creepers or shelving.
WORDS Remy Raitt PHOTOS Supplied
Can’t keep a plant alive? Fortunately you don’t need a green thumb to invite birds – nature’s most beautiful decor accessories – into your garden.
We’ve rounded up some easy, effective ways to entice winged creatures into your outside area, whether it’s a balcony or a lush oasis.
FEED THEM
Most birds eat nuts, seeds and fruit. Create a fruit tree by looping a thin piece of wire through pears and apples, and attaching it to an existing bush. Alternatively, coat a seeded roll in peanut butter and press it into wild birdseed mix; attach this to a tree in the same way.
A sleeker option is a contemporary bird feeder – ensure it’s always filled to the brim with bird candy. Mornings and late afternoons are key feeding times, so fill up just before and the birds will swoop in.
For bigger birds like hadidas and hoopoes, sprinkle seed on your lawn. From there, they’ll continue picking at worms under the surface. Be sure there are no cats in the area.
WASH IT DOWN
Birds spend their days flying and hunting, and need to rehydrate regularly. Help with this process by adding a watering hole to your garden: use a bird or hamster water bottle, or make your own out of an old All Gold bottle and a pressure-sensitive dripper. Add a sprinkle of sugar to the water bottle.
Birds are especially attracted to moving water but a birdbath is also a treat. Create your own or pick one out at the local nursery. Remember to keep it clean and, if you live in a frosty area, free of ice. Birdbaths positioned near a tree or shrubs are especially popular, making it easy for birds to pop onto a branch after a dip.
PICK YOUR PLANTS
Your local nursery will have a section dedicated to bird-attracting plants. While some birds are more interested in trees, where they can nest, others are looking for nectar-filled smaller plants. If you just have a balcony to work with, ask the staff at your nursery about creepers and potted plants.
SOMEWHERE TO REST THEIR HEADS
Some birds prefer to build their own nests, but many are quite happy to take up residency in a bird box or nesting box. By placing a few of these in your garden, you’re encouraging them to hang around and eventually mate on your property. But remember to space them out, as some birds are territorial.
FEEDERS, BATHS AND HOMES WE LOVE
Fold Feeder
Joe Paine‘s Fold Feeder is inspired by paper origami birds. Bent from one steel sheet, its construction is industrial origami.
R610 | joepaine.com
In Flight Bird Feeder
The design concept emerged from Pedersen + Lennard‘s initial idea of celebrating the beauty of birds in flight, their wings, the movement and how they are able to capture our attention so effortlessly.
R1 645 | pedersenlennard.co.za
Architecture for Birds
‘Architecture for birds’, comprises of a trio of sculptural handcrafted bird baths which are intended to add a pop of colour to any outdoor space and invite birds to have a drink of water.
POA | kassa-studio.com
Recycled Sari & Grass Birdhouse
This birdhouse is handmade from natural kissa grass and recycled sari fabric and attached to a wire frame.
R320 | shop.babylonstoren.com
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