Inviting chirpy visitors: Birding lets us enjoy nature up close

NT Features

Imagine waking up every morning to birdsong dancing across your ears. To many of us, this is a thought we have permanently associated with holidays. With a few simple additions to your balcony, you can bring a piece of Coorg back home. As we watch the summer months creep upon us and the world returns to be less remote, make your home not only a sanctuary for yourself but also for the local birds by creating a space conducive for them.

There are numerous advantages to creating a bird refuge in your living space. Birding allows us to view and enjoy nature up close on our own land in a world that has gotten far too crowded. The antics of pigeons, sparrows and myna and other songbirds have a relaxing effect and may aid in stress relief.

It’s not as difficult as you would think to attract colourful songbirds to your balcony. If you just give them what they need, there’s a strong chance they’ll find their way to your place shortly. This article will teach you how to make your space into a bird habitat with a few simple suggestions.

How to attract birds?
Birds, first and foremost, need a safe place to rest and breed. This is away from any pets or loud machinery that may harm them. And like all living things birds need a source of sustenance. Food includes small bugs and worms as most birds are omnivorous- planting the right vegetation will attract the right kind of bugs.

The first step in attracting more birds to your balcony is to install a simple bird feeder. For many, this is the only step they take, and it is an excellent way to begin bird watching.

Feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the one you choose will be determined by the sort of food you plan to offer as well as the type of bird you want to attract. Most species will be satisfied with mixed birdseed that includes a good variety of tiny seeds, sunflower seeds, millet, nuts, and fruit.

Some birdseed, especially good sunflower seeds or cracked corn, might be pricey, but you can always buy a pricey bag and mix it with a cheaper brand to make it last longer. If you offer entire peanuts or pieces of dried fruit to birds, they will eat them.

While a feeder is what will initially attract birds to your sanctuary, it’s the water wells that will make them stay. You have many options to choose from as water sources -- a simple terracotta pot filled with water that will keep the temperature nice and cool or invest in a birdbath.

A quality bird batch should be shallow, and placed above or away from any vegetation where a predator could hide. Place it at a reasonable proximity to food. If you really want to go the extra mile, remember birds are attracted to the sound of running water. A small fountain or a mister will not only elevate the look of your entire balcony but also attract the more sensitive birds -- the true VIP guests.

Disease transmission
An important aspect to consider is that disease transmission is a possibility anywhere birds assemble. Wash feeders and other surfaces monthly with a water/ bleach solution to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Rake away the rubbish from under the bird feeder to clean it up. Without the fallen food, rats are unlikely to come to your feeder at night. If your feeder becomes overcrowded, consider adding another to help solve the situation. This lowers the risk of disease spreading among your visiting birds.

Creating a bird habitat can attract new visitors to your yard and may inspire you to embark on a lifelong quest of natural world discovery. If done correctly, inviting birds into your property is both satisfying and beneficial to the birds. Soon, you’ll be holding a bird guide in your fingers, attempting to identify that brightly coloured creature darting around your birdbath.

Good luck and have fun designing your own bird habitat, and congratulations on making the decision to help conserve the native bird population.