Watching birds and other wildlife going about their daily routine is a delight that can be
shared by home gardeners. By providing natural food and shelter for local birds and
small animals you can also have the economical advantage of not needing the regular use of
pesticides.
A large
outbreak of pests is rarely seen in the bush because occasional explosions of a pest
species are brought under control by the natural predators of that species. By attracting
wildlife to your garden, especially birds, it can gradually be returned to the
process of natural management of these pests.
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Planning your wildlife garden
Your
garden should include a range of plants to provide for a variety of visitors.
Understanding the birds and their diets will help you plan a successful garden. The shape
of a bird's beak is a good indication of the of food it eats.
Carnivores have very large
strong beaks usually with a hooked tip. Kookaburras, Butcherbirds, Currawongs, Magpies and
birds of prey. Food: Small animals, reptiles, small birds, frogs, large insects and
snails.
Insectivores have pointed
beaks. Whipbirds, Cuckoo-shrikes, Robins, Wrens, Flycatchers and Fantails. Food;
Mosquitoes, flies, moths, beetles, ants, termites, spiders, caterpillars and insect
larvae.
Nectivores have long slender
beaks or brush-tipped tongues. Honeyeaters, Spinebills, Wattlebirds, Friarbirds, Noisy
Miners and lorikeets. Food: Pollen, nectar, soft fruit, berries, wattle sap, lerps and
insects.
Gra nivores
have short, stout beaks. Finches, Firetails, Doves, Pigeons, Rosellas, Corellas,
Galahs and Cockatoos. Food: Seeds of native trees, shrubs and grasses. Fruit and berries.
Frugivores have solid deep
beaks. Bowerbirds, Catbirds, Orioles, Figbirds and Fruit-doves.
FOOD; Native fruit and berries,
insects.
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Helpful
hints
A graded garden
of trees, large shrubs then low shrubs in a sunny position works well to produce masses of
flowers.
Include shrubs
which have continuous foliage reaching the ground to provide shelter for birds that forage
in the undergrowth, e.g. Wonga pigeons, Bowerbirds.
- It is important that the garden contains a balance of plants providing
foods for all species of birds. An excessive quantity of nectar-rich plants in a suburb
can lead to an increase of the more aggressive honeyeaters which discourages the smaller
birds.
- Prickly shrubs provide good shelter and nesting sites, safe from
predators.
- A supply of cool, fresh water placed off the ground and close to shrubs or
trees is essential.
Native grasses, which will provide seed for Parrots, Pigeons and small
birds, are an attractive addition to the garden and can be an alternative to lawn.
Nesting boxes can be placed in existing trees. Old trees with hollows
should be retained as these are natural homes for birds and possums.
A pond stocked with native frog-friendly fish can also be home to local
frogs. NEVER release any fish into dams or waterways, especially Gambusia. They are a
fierce predator of many aquatic animals.
- Birds, animals and insects are the natural
pollinators of many plants.
Lizards and frogs help to control insects and mosquitoes.
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