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Avian Habitats

ardens should, by definition, put tyres around their nests to stop the wipers. Getting into a cool car on
be bird-friendly. Some are less horses and humans treading on the a sunny day makes it worth living up
Gso than others, with heavily chicks. The lapwings (formerly known to our reputation.
paved pathways, carefully trimmed as plovers) will still dive frighteningly
trees and shrubs, and regimented close to anyone who gets near their Inner city birds are not nearly as
flowerbeds full of the same plants. nesting patch. fussy as their suburban counterparts.
Pigeons will roost anywhere, and
Much more attractive to birds are the Trees are for birds, especially ones squeeze through small openings,
gardens where the plants are allowed with delicious fruits or seeds. They leaving enormous quantities of
to grow in their own manner, where are also useful for the humans who droppings and feathers as proof of
weeds are left in situ (weeds are merely need to take advantage of their shade ownership. They will also perch on
plants in the wrong place), where in hot weather. But woe betide anyone anything – roof ledges, TV aerials,
grasses grow thick and tall, waving who sits underneath a hadeda’s nest and solar panels, which can be fitted
their seed heads to tempt LBJs (Little or favourite perch – a veritable cluster with thin electric wires along the tops,
Brown Jobs – the hardest to identify). bomb will fall. Luckily, the hadeda like electric fencing, to zap them off.
Trees and water need to be part of this family does mark its territory well in Hawks and kites have been introduced
formula, as do secret spaces, where advance, so simply move your chair to inner cities to help control the rats.
humans are forbidden access. out of the drop zone. Owls are given free housing with the
same incentive – free food.
Some species prefer open expanses, One definition of a South African is
like the beautiful spotted dikkops, someone who always parks under a So – respect our feathered friends,
clumsily renamed thick-knees, and tree – even at night. However, this they may be small and shy, or large
those birds foolish enough to lay their comes with the hazard of leaves on and scary, but they are a vital part of
eggs in shallow hollows in the middle your clean car, and bird droppings on our planet’s habitat.
of large fields. The lapwings are these the windscreen, which get smeared
foolish birds, and caring landowners when you try to clean them off with Gill Butler

PLUSH

BOLT

Tel: 011 434 0444, Email:Shantelle@chairexpress.co.za
44 Hulbert Rd Cnr Rosettenville Rd, New Centre, Johannesburg
PO Box 39799, Booysens, 2016
www.seatsahead.co.za