I have the dilemma of owning two cats. Love my cats, but still want to encourage the birds into my suburban garden. I know I can get cat-proof feeders, but where can I buy cat-proof birdbaths? I've "belled" the cats (which drives them and me nuts) but I'm trying to have the best of both worlds. I'm very much an amateur bird-watcher and (having poo-pooed my serious bird-watching friends in the past) now know what an interesting hobby this is. Love to travel and pick up "bird guides" wherever I go. I'm looking for a really good guide to the birds of backyards in Melbourne. When I'm not keeping the cats from the birds, I'm a primary school teacher in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Love my garden and make "environment" an ongoing theme in my classroom.
hello again Raintree
For Christmas I received a field guide to the fauna of Greater Melbourne called Melbourne's Wildlife published by the Museum of Victoria. This would be great for school and/or yourself as a guide to not only the local birds - for which there is a good section but also to all the other local fauna that the chldren will ask you about! THe Birds of Victoria and where to find them by Roy Wheeler is also a good Victorian guide because it does identify different species typical ro specific environments. I would be interested to hear what others recommend too?
Brian
hi daintree
unfortunately there is no happy medium between a bird friendly garden and cats. Cats are natural preditors and you will lose many birds to them. I wanted the same as you but when I went outside one day and found my cat with a fairy wren I built a cat run for my cats maybe you could do the same. It doesn't have to be on the scale mine is but I am lucky enough to have a large backyard and a son who can weld. I have included a photo of mine for you to see. It connects to my house so the cats have easy access to come in and be the perfect lazy slobs I love, and my birds stay safe and happy. Since I took this photo I have enclosed the 2 larger cages with colourbond to give them a dry and shaded area outside.
Well hello there Jas its nice to see you found us. I love the ibis photo you will have to share that one. Can't wait to see some of your bird photos.
I am in Bendigo and I dont know how I found this site Must be google. I am a mad bird watcher . I am 71 and have a yard full of birds No cats 7 ft fences Feed only natural food . Owing to the drought I have fed. Honey eaters get lorikeet mix and fresh fruit. Meat eaters get no preservative minced steak with Wambaroo insectivore mix mixed with it. Plenty of water . Have been able to take pics . I even have a market umberella up over the water on 40 C days LOL
Well Hi Lovetess, I have only been on here for a little while but it is a great site to have a chat, swap photos and ask heaps of questions. There are heaps of people to help out when needed.
Hi there, good to find this forum, other birders. Have always been interested in birds, and now have a bit of time to learn, watch and listen. I live in Campbelltown and haunt my local park, Quirk Reserve, which is a gem and the source of much joy and interest. Looking forward to learning lots!! Sue
Hi all had been lurking a little while. Discovered this place after doing numerous searches for a birds forum in Oz. I've only recently got serious about birds, must be old age lol
Am in SW of WA and enjoy the visits from Pink Galahs, Common Bronzewing pidgeons, smaller type(pest), Butcherbirds(saw him yesterday), Twenty-eights, Red Wattle birds, Brown Honeyeaters and the New Holland Honeyeaters....unfortunately they are a litlle spooked by some hawk that keeps diving at them. The willy wagtails try to chase him off whenever he comes as they have young here abouts. They are by far the bravest of all birds I've seen so far. They chase humans and their dogs as they walk on paths, they will fight magpies too ;) I'm a bit of a fan of the fantails.
Am looking forward to learning more about them and how I can create a better environment for them.
I have great pleasure in seeing the little birds enjoy a drink from the birdbath I put together using a hanging basket and a cement saucer.
regards
fantail
Welcome fantail.
I agree the wagtails are brave. I've seen them attack a wedge-tailed eagle!
---booshkie---
lol that's amazing! I often wonder what it would be like if they were a bigger bird with a more impressive beak, add a few tattoos of course ;)
I also live close to a swamp, it certainly has a good range of birds, although I can't say that life is easy for them. Have been onto the council on numerous occassions about it and they have currently got a guy trapping foxes.
It was worse last year, I think they managed to catch two. This year seven were caught in the outer suburbs. There is a long waterway corridor in which they travel. I have no doubt wandering dogs are also killing some of these swamp birds...but none have been caught. Trapping foxes will now be a regular activity set for spring and for autumn. Gee, he must be sick of me! lol Nah, he's okay.
Thanks for the welcome booshkie.
Great capture marj!
---booshkie---
"Hey! Look at me when I'm talkin to you $#^%$( !!!!"
"Like, I'm sooo scared"
:)