Support your NZ garden birds this spring.
Once you’re all set up and ready for spring, don't forget to sit back and enjoy the magic of the creatures you kohabit with.
All of a sudden spring and sprung, and the birds we kohabit with are getting ready for their busiest time of year, breeding season. And what a great time of year to sit back and watch the daily goings-on of the birdlife around you. But before you do there are a few simple things you can do to attract them to your garden and help them thrive this Springtime.
Some early breeders will already be set up with nests and may even have their first clutch of eggs. But others will just be starting the process of finding a mate.
So what can you do to help support your wild NZ garden birds? Well here are some hints and tips:
1. Spring clean - but not too much
The beginning of spring is the time of year when you need to clean away the winter debris and get planting. But don't get too carried away!
As your garden birds start to look for a nesting site they will be looking for thick hedges and trees to give them plenty of camouflage. They will also be looking for suitable garden waste to build their nests. They’re on the lookout for suitable twigs, dry leaves and moss, they will even use spider webs. Plus leaving garden debris in a pile will also help insect life, a key protein source for birds during springtime. And leave the odd damp puddle, some birds use mud in their nests either to help hold it together or to line the insides to give a nice smooth interior.
2. Put up some birdhouses
As humans are making more and more of a negative dent in natural environments nesting sites are becoming harder for birds to find, especially in our urban landscapes. So adding a birdhouse or two to your garden can really help.
Take a look at Kohab.nz for birdhouses that have been made especially for the NZ garden birds that will use a nesting box. If you're unsure which birdhouse to get for your garden read our blog: How to choose a birdhouse for NZ birds, its packed full of help and info.
3. Clean out existing birdhouses
If you already have birdhouses now's the time to give them a good clean so they don't spread germs or disease. Simply pop on some gloves, open it up and remove any old nest and any debris. And give it a good scrub with a 5% disinfectant solution followed by a rinse with clean water.
4. Put out some bird food
Springtime is an extremely busy time for birds who may be defending their territory, searching for a mate, nest building or feeding chicks. They need to increase their energy and nutritional intake which can be hard if natural food sources are lacking, and they are time-poor.
Kohab believes it's important to provide supplementary food (not replace their natural diet). Kohab Wild Bird Seed appeals to a wide range of NZ garden birds. This seed mix is full of fresh, nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals and will help support the birds health and help them thrive.
And for Nectar-loving birds like Tui, Silvereye and Bellbirds they will get a great boost from Kohab Bird Nectar with beetroot. It’s glucose-based bird nectar that includes the superpower of beetroot, you just need to add water. Not only does this give our bird nectar its beautiful red colouring, but it also attracts birds, making it easy for them to find and enjoy. In addition, beetroot is rich in nitrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help the birds thrive and maintain their energetic lifestyle. Giving supplementary nectar will help support the birds, and in turn, their chicks, to really thrive.
5. Add a source of freshwater
Make sure you put out clean fresh water for your NZ garden birds to drink and bathe in. It doesn't need to be an expensive birdbath, just a large pot of water somewhere safe will do. In springtime, the birds (and insects) will enjoy a drink and a quick wash. A source of freshwater is also a great way to encourage birds to visit your garden.
6. Settle back and enjoy the magic
And of course, don't forget to sit back and enjoy the magic of the creatures you kohabit with. There is a whole secret world going on right outside your window, you just need to stop, look and enjoy.
