Sweet way to attract birds to your garden

THERE is a host of indigenous plants that produce fruit and seed that are relished by birds. Nectarrich flowers are not only a major attraction for many bird species, but also for a host of other creatures such as bees and butterflies.

“The colourful sunbirds are perhaps the most well known nectar feeders,” says gardening for wildlife expert Roy Trendler.

The white-bellied sunbird is a common species that has adapted well to the urban environment; the birds appear to “tame” down rapidly and are not shy to move about freely in the presence of the gardener and family. Although they spend a great deal of time moving from flower to flower in search of a sip of nectar, they also feed on spiders, aphids and other insects.

“The bulbul is another lover of nectar and seems to be attracted to aloe flowers more than any other bird species,” he says.

The flowers are forced open so that the nectar can be reached and the birds can be seen perching on the long aloe flower spikes. Planting a number of aloe species will ensure a staggered flowering period and thus a more continuous supply of nectar for our feathered friends.

The Cape white-eye is a bird that is also fond of nectar and because it has a short beak which is unable to enter long tubular flowers, it has learnt to make a slit in the flower tube so that it can reach its meal.

Attracting nectar-feeding birds to the garden is fairly simple – plant the varieties which are rich in nectar and provide a wide variety.

“Caution should be taken with ‘nectar feeders’ that can be bought and erected in the garden for nectar-loving birds. It is essential to clean these feeders regularly and it is insufficient to use sugar water. This can cause digestive and nutritional problems to birds. The first choice is always nature’s own food, fresh from the flower,” says Trendler.

Consider adding these nectarproducing plants to your garden:

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Dwarf agapanthus ( Agapanthus africanus) Krantz aloe ( Aloe arborescens) Red hairy heath ( Erica cerinthoides) Tree fuchsia ( Halleria lucida) Wild fuchsia ( Halleria ellip-

Red hot poker ( Kniphofia x praecox) Wild dagga ( Leonotis leonurus) Tree pincushion ( Leucospermum conocarpodendron)

Beach salvia ( Salvia africanalutea)

Cape honeysuckle ( Tecomaria capensis)