Feather your nest

There’s nothing like the tweets and warbles of the birds that share our gardens. Sure, there’s the odd squabble and squawk, and they might ruffle our feathers now and then. But, in the end, these extended family members have a knack for making life richer, messier – and far more entertaining.

The key is to help make our feathered friends feel safe, well fed, hydrated and cared for. While a regular supply of fresh water is essential, it’s plants that truly meet the rest of their needs. From groundcovers to small trees, every plant in your garden can play a unique role, helping birds find food, shelter and a place to thrive. Most plants bring something to a bird-friendly garden, but native species – especially those from your local area – are the most beneficial.

Shrubs

Shrubs are star performers in bird-friendly gardens, and many of them provide shelter, food and a hideout, all in one. Bottlebrushes are a great example. Their vivid blooms brim with sucrose-rich nectar, which is perfectly tailored to meet the high-energy needs of their feathered pollinators. Many bottlebrushes, including the floriferous cross-leaved honey-myrtle (Melaleuca decussata), have prickly foliage or a dense growth habit that offers smaller birds safety from predators. The soft, papery bark of melaleucas is a favourite nesting material for numerous birds, including the restless flycatcher, which is found across the mainland.

Other multitasking shrubs include small banksias, correas, wattles (Acacia spp.), tea-trees (Leptospermum spp.), lilly pillies (Syzygium spp.) and saltbushes. The edible coast saltbush (Atriplex cinerea) is found in coastal regions throughout southern Australia. This silver shrub grows to 2m high and up to 2.5m wide and is beloved by local fairy-wrens, which socialise, feed and flit in, around and under them. Wattle flowers aren’t high in nectar but the pollen and seeds (green and dried) are a valuable source of protein, fat and other nutrients that parrots, pigeons, finches and cockatoos, among others, go nuts for! Numerous insects eat wattle leaves, so wherever there are wattles there’s likely to be insectivorous birds, too.

In the July issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine, horticultural editor AB Bishop shares a guide to the many wonderful ways you can play host to our diverse birdlife. Get your copy today!

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