As young naturalists, you already know one need not go to a far-off jungle to watch birds. Many species are present right around you, in parks, gardens and even immediately around your homes. Regardless of where you live, therefore, you can attract feathered friends around you.

One general complaint from people who wish to watch birds in the cities, is that they only get to see sparrows, pigeons and crows! Yes, more often than not this is true, but a bit of patience and study will definitely reward you with many more sightings. One sure way of making your garden livelier, both for you and for birds, is by putting out a bird-table.

Essentially a bird-table is little more than a platform of around 18 by 30 inches, and made of wood or tin. It can be supported by a wooden strut or pole, between two and five feet, off the ground. Ask for help from someone older to make and set up this quite inexpensive ’bird magnet’. You could, of course, choose a variety of locations for your bird-table — up amongst the branches of a tree, or on the ground. Remember that birds are opportunist feeders, moving about a good deal in search of a meal. Sooner or later, either on their own, or by observing other birds, they are sure to discover the larder you have put out for them. If you do not have access to a garden, you could even put up a bird-table in your balcony, perhaps fixed to a clothesline. This arrangement works best if you are on the first or the second floor.

In truth, putting up a platform on a support is the easiest part of attracting birds. What does one have to do to keep the birds coming back? Simple! Feed them! The men at the pet shop tell you to put out bread, flour and rice to the birds, but this is not the best choice at all. Some species such as house sparrows, common mynas and crows eat almost anything, but if you wish to attract other species, you will need to be a bit more imaginative (don’t worry, much of this is cheap food, in fact, some could be kitchen crumbs or leftovers).

A lot depends on which part of the country you live in, but city watchers have reported sightings in the heart of towns and cities. Their lists include: the magpie, Indian robin, coppersmith, barbet, tailor bird, Ashy Wren Warbler, several kinds of sunbirds, babblers, munias, sparrows, finches, parakeets, bulbuls, orioles, tree-pies, drongos, ioras and doves.

Munias, parakeets, sparrows and finches are largely seed-eaters, so grain and seeds could be put out for these. In the Himalayan region, on the many hill station townships, several species of titmice and finches can be seen in gardens — they will love the seeds and nuts you put on your bird-table. With luck, these may even attract nutcrackers, grosbeaks, jays and thrushes. By far, the food that attracts the featherfolk best is a mixture of moistened mince-meat, egg and worms, most of which can be easily obtained from the market. A small bowl or a shallow plate of water will also be welcome. Some of the small species love to take a dip for long hours, soaking their plumage and fluffing and cleansing their feathers.

Additionally, you will observe sooner or later, that ants and several other insects, notably species of beetles and flies, arrive on your bird-table, attracted by all the food. Do not despair. These little creepy-crawlies mean no harm. On the contrary, you will observe that these have in turn attracted some insect-eating birds! Your species list is already growing! To the extent possible, try placing your bird-table in the vicinity of some bushes or foliage. Not only does this give birds a sense of security, but it also enables you to keep a close watch on the goings-on on your bird-table. You could even setup a makeshift hide to watch and photograph birds from almost a hand-shaking distance. Whatever you do, do not forget to make a record of your successes and failures in your Nature Diary.