Native Australian birds have been in this country for millions of years. Over time some of them have changed in how they look, what they eat, where they live and where they nest. Some of our wild bird species are now extinct and some others are listed as either a ‘Threatened Species’ or ‘Critically Endangered’. It’s important we keep as much natural habitat for them as possible.
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Some birds move from their usual habitat as their living areas are cleared of native vegetation or as watercourses are changed or filled in. Unusual weather patterns can also mean native foods are in short supply, such as in drought, and they may need to seek food elsewhere. Just like us, birds need ready access to water: to drink, to give to their young, to bathe in and even to build a home (nest).
Each species, big or small, has its own food needs—native seeds, nectar, fruit, berries, insects, reptiles, sometimes other animals.
What is best for wild birds? Should we encourage them to our garden to feed on bird seed we bought from a store or processed food made for us to eat like bread? Should we feed them mince or let them forage for food in the wild?
Feeding wild birds such as magpies or kookaburras food that we normally eat can make them dependent on us rather than foraging naturally. Maybe an option is to occasionally provide food, but not so often that the wild birds come to depend on it. Or plant ‘food’ shrubs in your garden.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the native wild birds in your garden, at school, in parks and on the land. Enjoy them feeding naturally.
Upper Lachlan Landcare supports a community-based approach to managing and protecting our natural resources – creating more productive and sustainable farms, conserving our environment and building more cohesive and resilient communities.
For more information contact Ruth Aveyard 0447 242 474 coordinator@upperlachlanlandcare.org.a