Monday 25 November 2013

Basic gardening tips - Spring in the garden

The winter, in our area, brings beautiful Blue Wrens, tiny Brown Honeyeaters, Swallows and  Magpies nesting in the abundant bushy areas of the garden.  It is important at this time of the year to provide them with safe habitats and then the Spring surprises you with baby birds.

Safe habitats is coupled with good pruning habits.  Cutting back tall lanky bushes by 1/3 when necessary, this will ensure thick bushy areas for nesting and protection, especially for little birds.  Growing prickly plants also keeps predators away.



There is nothing like sitting in our family room watching the little wrens flitting from bush to bush, the blue coloured male surrounded by his harem of brown females.  The Swallows swooping back and forth to there little mud nests to feed their babies.

Little birds are hard to find and you don't want to put to much stress on the parents so we leave them alone to get on with the business of raising a family.










But, we have had a family of Magpies nesting in the garden for the past 4 years.  Magpies are literally in your face, swooping if you come any where near their nesting area.  Gary has been wearing his bike helmet for the past few weeks as every time he goes into the garden they swoop and Oscar has learnt to run faster.




But, the rewards are wonderful as we found out last week when the baby Magpie stared to leave the nest and explore the garden.  At this time they can only fly short distances and still have their fluffy covering.  The parents have settled down a bit as if they have become use to us and see we are no threat.  We are still careful when they are around at least until the baby can fly properly.





I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I did taking them

Happy gardening

Bronwyn

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