Wildlife corridors
Large animals need large areas of habitat to maintain viable populations, but unfortunately it is unusual for large enough patches of bushland to remain within cities and farms. However, several smaller patches of habitat have the potential to act as one large patch, and support breeding populations of birds, as long as individuals can move between these patches. Roadside plantings, median strips, railway cuttings, windbreaks and hedges can all help birds to shelter and move around safely. Although birds can move around easily compared with mammals and reptiles, many bird species will not fly into human-dominated habitats without some form of cover.
Maintaining corridors
By maintaining tree cover in human-dominated landscapes, at least in key corridors between patches of remnant bushland, wildlife gardens can play an important role in keeping birds in the broader urban landscape. Some local councils have identified important wildlife corridors in their regions that should be the focus for habitat retention and reconstruction. Some councils will even provide free plants and advice to residents with gardens in these areas.
Gardens as buffer zones
If you are lucky enough to live near bushland your garden can act as a buffer zone to the bushland and can extend the places for birds to find food, shelter and breeding places.