If you take the time to look, it is amazing what birds you can find in your backyard. Some are welcome and others are a pest but overall, their presence will bring joy to your life and enhance your garden.
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I have always loved and encouraged birds to my garden. Many of the species in my yard are introduced species such as blackbirds and sparrows and Spotted Doves.
However, there are a surprising number of native birds, many seasonal, that visit such as magpies, sparrowhawks, a very inquisitive White-faced Heron, Australian Wood Ducks, to much smaller thornbills and robins.
Many birds rely on urban backyards and local parks for their survival. Clearing of habitat for agriculture and housing development and the threats associated with climate change, have resulted in a decrease in numbers for many species of birds.
To survive, birds need food, water and shelter, all of which can be provided in a bird-friendly garden. The key is providing lots of plants at different heights, to cater for a variety of birds.
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Flowering natives attract honeyeaters, and small dense shrubs provide safe habitat for smaller birds like fairywrens. The other critical requirement is of course water. A birdbath or two will be well-utilised.
There are many benefits to having birds and other wildlife in your garden. It becomes a more natural environment. There are proven health benefits from interacting with nature. Birds in particular, disperse seeds and pollinate flowers and keep insects under control.
This month the Aussie Backyard Bird Count organised by Birdlife Australia, will be held. This is one of Australia's biggest citizen science events and the results contribute to a vital pool of national knowledge, to help assess how native birds are coping.
In 2018, 2.7 million birds were counted during this event with the most prolific species being the Rainbow Lorikeet.
You can register online (aussiebirdcount.org.au) to take part in the Backyard Bird Count. You will be amazed.