Attracting Shy Birds In Your Garden

When providing birds with water - a must have if you are to attract them successfully - remember they especially like shallow water they can walk in and drink with ease, with out fear of drowning.


A birdbath or a pedestal in the middle of the lawn makes it easy for you to see the birds and for them to see would-be attackers, but holds good only for bold birds such as sparrows and doves.  Many shy birds will stay away from an exposed spot like this.  Also, the water can become heated by direct sunlight in the summer, increasing algae growth that makes the container slippery and unattractive to visitors.

An alternative bird bath is a pond or even a mini-wetland, which will also encourage frogs, toads and other wildlife into your garden. Ponds must have gently sloping sides but can be deeper in the middle. Put an container in a quite area of your garden, and make sure it is in the shade and that it is filled every day.  If it is more than 4 cm deep, put some flat stones for the birds to stand on.  Fresh water provided like this at ground level is sure to attract some of the shy male birds in your neighborhood.