Firstly, you have to be realistic about what native birds you can attract to your garden, as much of the habitat, particularly of smaller nectar feeders and foraging birds, has been lost to urban development. Your chances of success improve if you live close to the foothills, a creek line or local parks and reserves with well established native trees and gums that provide food and shelter for birds. Some of the more interesting but less obvious birds to look out for include the Mistletoe bird, Silvereyes, Spotted and Striated Pardalotes and Eastern Spinebill. All of the images in this article were taken within my own garden which is in a close foothills location.

Striated Pardolites – this pair captivated by their reflection in window

In your own garden consider planting a range of (preferably) native plants, or plants that were once local to your region, that might link or extend a fauna corridor from an area described above. That info can be gleaned through your local council or library, on-line research, native plant nurserys and observing what native plants are growing well in your area – Landimpact can assist with this process but would encourage you to do your own research to enhance that process.

Spotted Pardolite – one of the smallest Australian birds

Its important to consider plant structures and layers in your garden to provide habitat and shelter for birds, and flowers and foliage to attract nectar feeders and insects for food sources. Consider some basic plant layers;

  • firstly the higher canopy, including a range of smaller trees and tall shrubs to extend the flowering period and provide potential nesting/shelter such as dwarf Bluegums and Mallee gums, Callistemons, Acacias, Grevilleas, Banksias, Bursarias etc
  • an intermediate thicker canopy of smaller to medium height flowering shrubs (some thorny/spiny), and tall native grasses to provide protection for smaller, more vulnerable and foraging birds. Consider grasses such as Poa, Spear and Kangaroo grass, the shrub layer might include Banksias, Eremophilas, smaller Acacias, Grevilleas and Hakeas
  • the ground layer plants of low grasses and groundcovers  for additional food and shelter such as Wallaby grass, low Banksias, Correas, Saltbush and Bluebush varieties, Dianellas, Kangaroo Paws and native bulbs such as Vanilla Lillys and Garland Lillys
Grey Shrike Thrush – unremarkable plumage but has a magnificent call!

This can be achieved in a relatively small space of around 50m2 if starting from scratch but in an existing garden these plants could be mixed with other plants – Landimpact can help guide this process. Eventually established trees can have nesting boxes and simple timber hollows installed to promote more nesting options.

Adelaide Rosellas eating native flax fruit

Birds also like access to fresh water for both hydration and bathing so consider a bird bath or bowl on pedestal or via hanging support (to offset cats), otherwise if at ground level choose a more open area. Regularly replenish water in warmer months so smaller birds have easy access to water at bowl rim or a support above water line. Topping up water can be via a dripper extended from an irrigation pipe (if available) and directed into bird bath or bowl and adjusted to suit.

Try and resist bird feeders or hand feeding birds as this will likely attract unwelcome birds or visitors and potential reliance on a food source