Watching birds feed, play and bath in your own garden is a very rewarding way to pass the time. So it’s not surprising that most Urban Wildlife Garden members want to see more, or a larger variety of bird species, use their garden. It’s the most common response when I ask, “What wildlife would you like to see more of?”
We are very lucky in the Noosa shire to have a diverse population of birds. There are over 300 different species living in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, including the migratory species. To be able to watch the Fussy glossies drink near dusk at Sunshine Beach or see the Kingfisher dart around Heritage Park Tewantin are scenes we can be thankful for.
Inviting birds into your garden is not as simple as planting a Hakea for the honey eaters. Honey eaters also eat insects, pollens and lap sap. Parrots eat seeds, fruit and nectar along with wood boring insect larvae. No matter which types of birds you would like to see, planting a diverse garden with layers will make your garden more attractive to all birds. Layers provide different food sources and habitat at different heights.
Ground level can be lawn or mulch. Magpies and Kookaburras will sit above a lawn waiting for worms and insects. Mulch provides a habitat for lizards and bugs that can be food for many bird species. Don’t forget some grasses for finches to feed on. Kangaroo and Barb wire grass are found in the local native nurseries.
The shrub or understory layer is where flowers and foliage are found. While some birds will feed directly on the pollen or nectar, insect eating birds are also found here, eating the insects feeding on the flowers. This is why planting a variety of plants will make your garden attractive to a broader range of birds. It is in this layer where most gardens that I have visited could improve for wildlife habitat. Smaller birds need to move about without the bigger birds being able to hunt them. Planting plants close together, especially the prickly ones, makes better small bird habitat.
The canopy or tree layer is not always possible in an urban garden. Trees provide food, shelter and hollows for raising young. Species selection needs to be carefully considered when planting trees in an urban environment. If you are lucky enough to have established trees in your yard, I’m sure the birds appreciate them.
Lastly, don’t forget those water sources. Some birds won’t drink the water they bath in so have a few around the yard.
Michelle