Do you dream of attracting birds to your garden? Watching them without leaving home? Nothing could be easier. Give them something to eat and drink... and you'll be able to admire them at your leisure.
Attracting small birds to your garden is possible in both town and country. Of course, species will vary from region to region, but you should see chickadees, sparrows and robins just about everywhere.
There are several advantages to adding a decorative feeder or waterer to your garden. First, it's a pretty ornament. Secondly, you'll please the birds in both winter and summer. In winter, they'll appreciate the extra food, while in summer they'll love a bath in the cool water.
Here are a few tips for welcoming birds to your garden.
Which bird feeder is right for my garden?
You'll find all kinds of feeders, both functional and decorative. Homemade" feeders are very common, as are silo or grease ball feeders. But you can also use more decorative containers to hold seeds and food for your bird friends.
Most decorative feeders feature a romantic or playful design. Made from stone or ceramic, weather-resistant polyresin, copper or steel, they offer a wide choice of design, style and color.
The country-chic style is particularly popular, as small decorative elements such as birds, angels or animals give the trough an enchanting, fairytale look.
Some smaller, decorative feeders can also be used on a windowsill.
Which waterer to use to attract birds?
Decorative troughs are available as free-standing or hanging versions.
- Free-standing troughs feature a larger water trough in which many species of birds, such as sparrows, robins, finches and blackbirds, can splash about happily.
- Spiked troughs need to be well sunk into the ground to ensure stability, even in windy or stormy conditions. They can easily be placed in the middle of a lawn or flowerbed.
What's the ideal location for your feeder and waterer?
When looking for a location, there are three aspects to consider:
- Visibility: you want to observe your feathered guests as they scurry around the watering hole.
- Safety: offer them a safe place, preferably high up, out of reach of cats or other predators.
- Comfort: install the feeder preferably in a quiet spot, sheltered from prevailing winds and rain.
Thirsty birds that have discovered your watering hole and are quenching their thirst won't notice cats sneaking up on them, so they're easy prey. If your garden is frequented by cats, don't use a floor trough. In this case, a suspended waterer is the way to go. Ideally, the waterer should be located near a bush or tree, so that birds can take refuge and hide there in case of imminent danger.
Good to know: once the birds have discovered your watering hole, assume that it will be visited on a daily basis. Even in winter, when other bodies of water are frozen. The watering hole can easily be thawed out with boiling water.
Water trough maintenance
The watering hole should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent trichomonads from spreading and making the birds sick. At the height of summer, cleaning and water renewal should be carried out once a day.
