Summer is in full swing, and with it come sweltering days that offer no respite. In my little garden, the temperature regularly climbs above 30°C (86°F) in the shade! We get a bit of rain sometimes, but instead of relief, it only brings extra mugginess and stifling air.
Sweat pours off me like a waterfall, and while I dream of the Arctic chill, I’ve decided not to surrender to this weather. Instead, I’m using it as motivation to create something special—my very own bird-watching nook.
In my happy place—though a bit steamy and stuffy—I’ve begun building a space dedicated to small birds. I want this corner to become a shelter and a source of food for the tits, sparrows, wagtails, black redstarts, and other little birds I often see in the area. I’m consciously avoiding making it friendly for larger birds, like blackbirds, pigeons, or magpies, which tend to dominate and bully the smaller species.
As the centerpiece of the nook, I’ve hung a birdhouse that holds special value for me—my son built it by hand back when he was in primary school. I’m hoping a pair of tits will move in, though I’ll be just as happy if any other small bird finds shelter there.
The main feeder, which I’ve hung two meters off the ground, has a solid roof and small entrances on each side. Inside awaits a surprise: a protein-rich food. Even though it’s traditionally meant for feeding from October onwards, I’ve put it out now so the birds have time to get used to it. Just below the feeder, I’ve installed a water dish using an old plant hanger and an unused bowl from my guinea pigs. They fit together perfectly!
Birds need to feel safe. I don’t have any trees, but I’ve placed the feeder in a corner of the garden where the low roof of my shed, a gutter, and bushes of gooseberry and red currant should, in theory, provide them with a sense of security.
Additionally, my nook features a smaller feeder for a fat ball, and I plan to hang a piece of suet over a flat, open area. I have many more ideas for developing my little bird paradise, but I’m very pleased with the progress so far. In winter, birds like to nestle in dense bushes, so I’m hoping that in a few years, my red currant bush will become just such a shelter.
And what about the larger birds? The blackbirds have already made themselves at home in my garden. For them, I plan to set out some apples cut in half and a small dish with raisins. Maybe this will give them their own peaceful spot without disturbing the smaller birds at my bird-watching nook!
I hope my plans bear fruit and that I’ll soon be able to share new, interesting stories from my garden with all of you. Keep an eye on the blog, as this is only the beginning! See you soon