A balcony can become a small but valuable refuge for urban birds. With just a little bit of planning you can bring a few plants, a clean water source and some shelter onto your balcony to provide food and security for visiting birds. However it is not so much about bird food pellets, it is about making your balcony a friendly and safe place for birds to visit, and not bringing any unwanted elements into the equation.
Inside the $8.5 million Astolat Dollhouse Castle in New York: The 9-foot miniature home, which is the most valuable real estate in the world Why do glass doors keep getting cloudy? 5 simple cleaning tips to keep them clear and spotless In addition to food and water, birds also need a place to land and to rest. You can use small pieces of wood or branches to create a perch, or use a natural element such as a thick branch or stalk. If possible, provide different levels of foliage, as different species of birds will use different perches. it is not always good for urban wildlife While a well-kept balcony may look nice. Letting your plants keep their seed heads on, or leave old leaves and flowers on the ground can provide a food source for birds and insects. Remove any rotting or mouldy matter, but there is no need to remove every single leaf or seed head.
A shallow bowl or dish of clean water can be a huge draw for birds during summer, especially if they are unable to find any other source of water. You can use a feeder to supplement your balcony’s natural resources, but you should be aware of a few things. Buy an appropriate feeder and fill it with seed or grain that local birds are used to eating. Avoid using salted, seasoned or processed foods, as these can be unhealthy or even poisonous to birds. Wash the feeder regularly and make sure there is no mould or rotting food in it. If you want a garden that is frequented by birds, then you should avoid using pesticides. These can be harmful to insects that birds eat, as well as being poisonous to birds themselves. Try to avoid using any chemicals on your balcony. If insects are a problem, try eliminating them by hand. Having a few crawling insects on your balcony is not a bad thing, they are a food source for many birds.