Page 30 - Interface August Issue 2026

By Ivan Muller

here was a time when I hardly
noticed the birds in my own
Tgarden. Like many people, I
assumed I had a few sparrows, the
odd dove and perhaps a weaver or
two. It was only after taking up bird
photography that I started paying
closer attention. Looking through a
camera lens has a way of slowing
you down. Suddenly I began noticing
colours, calls and behaviour that had
always been there but had somehow
escaped me.

Today I’ve recorded more than
thirty bird species in and around my
Cornwall View garden. Some are here
throughout the year, while others
appear only during certain seasons.
Every week seems to bring a surprise.
It has completely changed the way I
see my garden.

Many residents enjoy putting out
food for birds, especially during
winter. It is a wonderful way to
attract more visitors and to enjoy
them from the patio or kitchen
window. But there is a right way to
do it. The goal is never to make birds
dependent on us. We simply want
to give them a helping hand when
food is harder to find. If you would like to offer food, variety is usually the secret. Different birds enjoy
different foods. Black sunflower seeds are popular with many seed eaters, while
One of the biggest lessons I have fruit such as apples and oranges attracts bulbuls, mousebirds and barbets.
learnt is that the best bird feeder Mealworms are an excellent source of protein for insect eating birds, especially
is actually your garden itself. when they are raising chicks. A little suet can also be appreciated during the
Indigenous trees, flowering shrubs colder months.
and grasses provide natural food
throughout the year. They attract
insects, produce nectar, berries and
seeds, and create places where birds
can nest and shelter. A feeder can
never replace that. Think of it as an
extra snack rather than a full meal.

Fresh water is just as important as
food, perhaps even more so during
our hot Highveld summers. A shallow
bird bath often attracts species that
never visit a feeder. Birds need water
for drinking and bathing, and it is a
delight to watch them splash about
on a warm afternoon. Keep the water
fresh, clean the bird bath regularly
and place it where birds have a clear
view of approaching predators.

INTERFACEDigimag | AUGUST 2026 | 28