A Noisy Friarbird samples some nectar
|
Food and water will attract birds to your garden.
Birds eat nectar; grass and leafy material; berries, fruit or seeds; insects and their larvae, worms and similar invertebrates; reptiles and small mammals; other birds; or a combination of these. Of course, they may also eat food scraps and pet food left in the garden.
Some birds move around, sometimes over great distances, to find sources of nectar. Examples of such birds are Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters. These are very welcome, but very rare visitors in Canberra gardens.
Other birds eat a wider range of foods. For example, the Red Wattlebird feeds on nectar, being particularly attracted to banksias, but will also feed on insects. This flexibility allows Red Wattlebirds to overwinter in Canberra in relatively large numbers. Birds can be encourgaged to a garden in winter by species that flower in winter when other food is scarce. Many banksias fit into this category. |
The occasional feeding of native birds will
attract them, such as these Yellow-faced Honeyeaters
Correas provide an excellent source of food for Eastern Spinebills in winter |
Banksias are a good source of nectar, particularly
attractive to Red Wattlebirds
|
| A wide range of food-producing plants makes a garden attractive to many different birds. Canberra's suburban gardens and urban parks have a wide range of non-native plants, some of which are welcome food sources for many birds. Some non-natives attract common berry- and seed-eating birds such as Crimson Rosellas, Silvereyes, Pied Currawongs and Common Starlings. However, most are not recommended for planting, because birds may spread the seeds to native bushland where exotic plants do become serious environmental weeds. Such undesirable plants include cotoneaster, firethorn, privet, crab apple, rowan, ornamental plum and hawthorn. |
Pied Currawongs now have large permanent urban populations in Canberra; during colder months, they feed predominantly on exotic berries, spreading the seeds into natural areas. During the breeding season Pied Currawongs take nestlings of many species of small birds and are a serious predator, along with cats.
Many of the fruit trees in Canberra gardens are particularly attractive to parrots, currawongs, Silvereyes and starlings. Gardeners might be upset by damage to fruit or flowers (sometimes parrots can be particularly destructive), but fruit trees provide an excellent opportunity for observing birds at close quarters for a considerable period. |
Putting out food
The continual artificial feeding of native birds is not recommended. It does not do much good for the bird population as a whole, and when taken to extremes may have a damaging effect. One side effect of excessive amounts of seed, particularly small seed, is an increase in the numbers of sparrows, starlings and other pest species.
However, during winter and spring small amounts of wild bird seed or chopped fresh meat can be placed out for birds provided this is done infrequently and at irregular intervals, so that it is more of a treat than part of the regular diet. Processed food such as bread should not be put out. This includes food for pets, which should not be left out regularly, because the combination of open lawns and pet food (a typical suburban scene) is a sure-fire recipe for attracting Mynas. It also provides additional food for Pied Currawongs, another species that does not need assistance.
The occasional feeding of native birds will attract many to your garden, such as the Australian King-parrot and Eastern Rosella. |
|
These Double-barred Finches appreciate a winter diet supplement
Water
Water features are just as important as native plants in attracting birds to your garden, because birds need water to drink and to bathe in. A well-planned pond or artificial stream has aesthetic and environmental value, is a habitat for fish, frogs and many other small creatures, and is a very welcome amenity for birds. Ponds should be partially shaded, with overhanging branches for birds to perch on, and with rushes or other vegetation around the edges. If there is a log, branch or stone in the middle of the pond, it will provide an even more secure place for birds to alight near the water.
Shallow water is better for smaller birds >>
|
 |
This Pied Currawong is enjoying a good splash
Bird baths of various shapes and sizes are a cheaper and more flexible alternative to a pond. It is best if they are out of reach of cats (at least 2 m above the ground, and 2 m away from a place from where a cat could spring), preferably hanging under a shaded branch or perch so that birds can enter and leave safely. Most birds like to have a good splash around. Different species prefer different depths and volumes of water. Small birds such as finches, thornbills and Silvereyes prefer shallow water (about 3 cm deep), so a relatively small, shallow bowl is best for them. Larger birds such as Crimson Rosellas like a large container with deeper water.
Water containers need regular maintenance to ensure that the water is clean.
|
Currawongs regurgitate pellets into water containers, and Australian Ravens use them for dunking bread and other scraps. In summer, algae often needs to be removed.
On a hot summer's day, birds may also enjoy a shower from a lawn sprinkler spraying into nearby and overhanging branches. They may plunge through the direct spray or flutter among the leaves to give themselves a good 'leaf shower'. Red Wattlebirds and Silvereyes in particular seem to enjoy sprinklers. Birds probably do not appreciate Level 3 water restrictions.
It is important to ensure against cats taking advantage of the attraction of water features to ambush birds. |
|
