NATURE NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 3, 3 July 1937, Page 17

NATURE NOTES

ATTRACTING BIRDS

FOOD-BEARING PLANTS

(By R. H. D. Stidolph.)

Probably' at no time in New Zea- ' land's history, brief as it is, has more interest been taken, in its bird-life than is the case at the present day. The number of residents of cities, towns, and country districts who make a practice of feeding the birds is remarkably large, judging by the many' instances that come to hand. People nowadays are always telling you how much pleasure they derive from their bird-tables. The writer knows of many householders who delight in putting out jars of sugar and water ■or. other sweet mixtures for the birds in their gardens, and who, in consequence, are favoured with visits from large numbers of silver-eyes and even a few tuis. Other birds, such as the song thrush and blackbird, are easily attracted by scraps of any description. The most difficult birds to cater for are the insect-eaters, such as the fantail and the grey warbler. The only way to bring them about.the garden is by planting' shrubs or trees that are likely to harbour the' insects on which they feed, though in the winter months the fantail is confiding enough to enter houses in search of flies. No .one objects to the presence of this i engaging little bird indoors, especially as it does good work in ridding residences of the obnoxious house-fly. NATIVE BIKDS BENEFICIAL. Practically all of New Zealand's native birds are beneficial species of great economic ' importance to the country, and, such being the case, every endeavour should be made to encourage them. The individual property owner can select many very beautiful trees and shrubs for planting in his garden or on his farm which will attract the birds, and similar action can be taken in regard to • racecourses, golf links, public parks, and reserves. Moreover, the scheme is also worthy of adoption by local bodies, including county councils, as much could be done to preserve remnants of native bush on road banks, with the double object of protecting the highway and providing food for birds. In cases..where the native vegetation has been destroyed on road banks, food-bearing trees or shrubs could be planted, provided they would be safe from the ravages | of stock. Suitable shrubs could be offered free to local bodies by so- . cieties, for instance, which ,have for their object the beautification of- the countryside. In this . way, practical steps to encourage the birds would be taken with the prospect of a rich return to the country by an increase in the'numbers..of beneficial species. It is-very pleasing to note that quite a lot in this direction has already been accomplished near Wanganui. '. NATIVE TREES. A number of native trees and shrubs provide' honey-eaters with an abundance of food: The most notable of these is the'kowhai, a'tree which 'should be planted extensively throughout the Dominion. \ Its golden flowers, which contain a large ■ quantity of luscious nectar, never fail to attract the tui, bell-bird, and silver-eye, and even without the presence of these . • birds the tree itself is one of the most beautiful that could be planted in any locality. The. ratas, including the pohutukawa, are ■ others which are worthy of'a place in the garden and their flowers are also eagerly visited by the honey-eaters. Another very beautiful native tree, the blooms of which are full of nectar, is the honeysuckle or rewarewa. Its pop-lar-like growth at once makes it stand out from other native trees. Some fine specimens of this tree may be seen in the Kaiwarra Gorge. The native fuchsia is also a general favourite with our honey-eaters; in addition to the nectar in the flowers, it provides an adequate supply of berries, which are greedily devoured even before they are ripe. Too many plants of the New Zealand flax cannot be grown. The flax is especially , suitable, as it grows quickly and its flowers have a liberal supply of nectar. Both the starling and the sparrow may be seen feeding in the flax, a ca^e of mtro- ' duced birds acquiring a new habit. GUMS AN ATTRACTION. In addition to native species thete are many introduced trees and shrubs which provide a bounteous feast for birds. The. gums, of which there are a large number of beautiful species, offer wide scope as ornamental trees rich in nectar which the honey-eaters eagerly seek. An important point in favour of the gums is that several species bloom in winter, when bird food is somewhat scarce. The tui makes a regular practice of visiting gum trees in flower. Other introduced plants of value as bird food include the Hedera, the berries of which are in great demand. The juneberry (Amelanchier) which ripens in December is another early berry Very much sought after. This is a fine, flowering, large shrub. Azara microphylla, a beautiful evergreen shrub with strongly-scented flowers, bears berries that are relished by birds. There are also several species of bird cherries (Prunus). Eleagius longipes is another ' shrub which fruits abundantly and the berries are readily devoured by birds. Other berry-bear-ing trees that have been recommended include the bear berry, Berberis (many species), the holly, junipers, honeysuckle (Lonicera), wild plums, Rhamnus, Rib.es, Rosa, and Rubus. INTRODUCED SHRUBS AND TREES. Other introduced shrubs of benefit to birds are the dogwood (Cornus), strawberry tree (Euonymus), coralberry, snow-berry, and wolf-berry (species of Symphoricarpus), cranberry, nanny-berry, arrow-wood (species of Viburnum), a vine (Lycium), sumach (Rhus), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), buffalo berry (Shepherdia Canadensis), Indian strawberry tree (Benthamia fragipera), blackberry (Celtis), thorn (Crataegus), Russian mulberry (Moras), choke cherry (Prunus Virginiana), flowering crabs (Pyrus), pin cherry, wild black cherry, and bittersweet. The planting of these shrubs and trees will provide food practically throughout the year. Perhaps readers of this column may know of. other species which they have found provide food for the birds. Another great attraction in the garden is a drinking pool, preferably a small fountain. This will be found to be a never-failing source Of interest to the owner, who will be well rewarded by the visits paid by many species, which soon become accustomed to the presence of man in places where they are not mo- . Jested. If a bird fountain is installed every precaution should be taken against the possibility of raids by cats.