By planting flowers and shrubs that are native
to your country, you’re catering for native birds,
while avoiding any problems with invasive species.
Variety is key. Not only will birds feed on the
plants themselves, but the more kinds of plant
you introduce, the more species of insect they will
attract – and the more birds you will see feasting
on this deliciously varied buffet. Pesticides will kill
off birds’ natural prey and poison the food chain,
so instead, let the birds act as natural pest control.
1
Fill your garden (or balcony)
with native plants
Know what to do if you find a
chick on the floor
2
We know it’s hard not to help a small, helpless bird
outside of its nest. But you may be doing more
harm than good. If the bird is hopping about, it’s
likely to be a fledgling, being fed and watched
over by nearby parents until it has learned to fly.
If it’s definitely too young for that, try to put it back
in its nest, if you can find it (and you can do so
without damaging the nest).
The parents won’t abandon the chick if it smells
of humans – that’s just a myth. But the only place
it should be taken away to is to an expert wildlife
rehabilitation centre – don’t try to raise it yourself.
apr-jun 2018 • birdlife
17