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When we first built our house on a lifestyle block in the country there were only a few birds around. The large deep pond was devoid of any water fowl. Now five years on our property is inundated with birds both introduced and native. Our pond has become a home and haven to Ducks, Pukeko and Shags. For those who may not know, the Pukeko is a large native New Zealand bird. Although not officially a water fowl, the Pukeko lives mainly in wetlands and around farm drains and ponds.

I have always loved wild birds, the more the better. My husband does not always agree, especially when he sees their calling cards liberally splashed across our roof and fences. I find the best way to encourage birds to your garden is to feed them. I began throwing bread and other suitable scraps onto our back lawn. Before long Starlings, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Thrush began arriving for a free daily buffet. Joining them were Magpies along with native Yellowheads and Waxeyes.

We planted native trees to provide nectar and seed for the native Tui, Bellbird, Fantail and Wood Pigeon. To ensure year round sustenance I placed bird feeders in the trees as well. I replenish them daily with a wild bird seed mix. Birds also enjoy dripping, the solidified fat left over from roasting meat. I set it inside the netting bags onions and other vegetables are sold in and hang them in the trees. I always ensure fresh water is readily available in the bird bath. Birds not only get thirsty but they like to bathe as well. Along with the bird bath I leave old roasting pans filled with water around the property.

Whilst the Starlings favor nesting in roofs and guttering, the sparrows and other birds soon set up home in the many trees around our property. In one tree alone I counted nine nests. Just in case some of our feathered friends preferred more luxury accommodation I provided wooden nesting boxes as well. The Swallows have made our pond jetty their own. They build their mud nests under it and guard them zealously.

My next challenge was to encourage ducks to our pond. Firstly I bought three domestic ducks and kept them contained for six weeks. This gave them time to settle in and get used to their new environment. Almost completely surrounded by native bush we made a clearing in the trees where the pond borders our front lawn. This was to provide a sunning area for the ducks and create a more park like setting, whilst still retaining a bush area for them to nest and rare their young.

I began scattering wheat and pellets down by the pond every day.My husband built a concrete ramp down to the pond allowing the ducks and ducklings easy access from the grass to the water. Before too long wild Mallards began to come down and investigate. They liked what they found and stayed. Our duck numbers have increased from our original three to well over one hundred. By the beginning of the duck shooting season the population almost doubles.

Every now and again we are visited by a flock of Canada Geese who fly over our property regularly. They stop in for a rest and a swim. One morning I discovered a most unusual bird swimming on our pond. It looked like a cross between a duck and a shag. I contacted our Department of Conservation (DOC) and found out it was a rare and endangered New Zealand Native Dabchick. There are only 1500 of them left. Consequently I was delighted as was DOC!

The needs of wild birds are really quite simple and they give so much in return for such little effort on our part. Attracting birds to live and nest in your backyard will bring pleasure to all who hear and see them.

Learn more about this author, Gabrielle Keen.
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