Page 6 - IFV September Issue 2025

Estate News

Provision of Food and Water in a Wildlife Garden

(BY BRADDEN “HIKING” STEVENS)

ne of the many benefits to a wildlife garden is
the increased numbers and diversity of visitors,
Oespecially birds!
According to Birdlife South Africa, we are blessed with a bird
list of over 870 species (8% of the worlds` avian population),
but human settlements and activities continue to have a major
impact on their numbers, distribution, and diversity.
Certain bird species thrive in/near cities, while others
flounder.
An example of increasing numbers of birds near human
habitations, can be seen in Grey-headed gull populations
in Gauteng. A relatively new species to the province, in
2005/2006, 2185 breeding pairs were studied here, the largest
breeding population in the country. An abundance of food,
via sites such as landfills, composting facilities, and poorly
managed waste, help ensure their continued success.
Insectivorous birds on the other hand, are not fairing as
well. Once common inland species such as, Kurrichane and
Groundscraper Thrush, Southern fiscal, Pied and Wattled Aloe in bloom, attracting Honey bees.
starlings, have all shown a steady decline in numbers (UCT
Science/ African birdlife 2023). A combination of habitat loss, Nectar feeders, Birdlife South Africa suggests using a 10-
pesticide use, the global decline in insect populations and 20% sugar solution (most bird pollinated plant species nectar
climate change are considered the biggest contributors to contains 10-20% sucrose, glucose, fructose or combination of
their decline. all three) can be placed in shady, sheltered areas.
While cut fruit and vegetables (harvesting the spinach
What can be done to help? grown in our garden, before the Speckled mouse birds do, is
The good news is that if you have a wildlife garden, you already always a challenge in my garden) attract frugivores.
are!
A good wildlife garden, with a diversity of indigenous plants Bird health
provides birds and others with food all year round. Plants When feeding wild birds, careful consideration should be
flower/fruit at different times of the year, to the benefit of taken, in order to supplement healthy, natural diets.
frugivores and seed eaters, while creating habitat for insects, Birds have a high metabolism, very small stomachs, and
which are fed upon by Insectivores. limited time to feed. As such, they must choose meals which
An excellent example of this can now be seen with the are nutrient rich, high in calories and can be consumed in a
multitude of Aloes species currently flowering throughout relatively short period of time.
the estate, attracting large numbers of nectar feeders (such as Many human foods, such as bread (most birds are unable to
Amethyst and White-bellied sunbirds), as well as insects such digest bread and it contains little nutrients) are unsuitable, as
as Honeybees, butterflies and Carpenter bees. are artificial sugar products/colorants (especial xylitol, which is
linked to the sudden death in nectar feeders).
Bird feeders The provision of dairy products is discouraged, as all birds
Bird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, serving the are lactose intolerant.
needs of multiple species. While we often think of bird feeders Feeders/bird baths should also be cleaned regularly,
as a space exclusively for the seed eaters, consideration should preventing a build up of parasites and potentially harmful
be given to the needs of insectivores, nectar feeders and bacteria. If uneaten fruit/veg becomes mouldy, it should be
frugivores. removed. This plant material can be placed directly into your
Bird Suet, meal worms and bone meal are ideal (especially garden or in a compost heap, to the benefit of decomposers
in the winter months when insect numbers are naturally low) (such as insects and microorganisms) and ultimately your
for insectivores. garden.

4 • September 2025 • The Villager