Hi everyone,
This is my first post so I hope I've found the right forum.
I've just moved to northern suburbia in Melbourne (think: Reservoir, Thomastown, Lalor). The area has pockets of heavy industry and gardens tend towards "neat" (that is, non-native and lots of lawn).
I am wondering if anybody knows what types of native birds I'm likely to encounter here. This will help me to think about how I plan for my future garden, which is fairly small but has room for at least a few small trees. I'm thinking about a bush garden both front and back, which will no doubt horrify my neighbours...
I've been here only a few days, so have not had time for a good survey. So far I've only seen galahs and ravens and - I'm pretty sure - a Nankeen Kestrel near the freeway entrance. Could not stop to look, unfortunately. I also saw from the car window a bird that looked like a quail on stilts near a grassy park. No idea what that was. I am pretty much a birding beginner.
So far, in my own street, I've seen only sparrows, starlings and spotted doves. Not even a magpie or mudlark.
If anybody is familiar with this area, what do you think my chances are of attracting more native birds to my garden? Will birds travel from further afield to visit the garden?
Many thanks,
Kath.
Hi Kath,
using this website
http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/hotspots
you can navigate to nearby hotspots in your area- where birders have submitted lists of their observations in order to get a general idea of your local birdlife.
eg.g a search for Reservoir brings up http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/hotspot/L2825539
But ultimately nothing beats getting out there and exploring for yourself.
As for attracting birds to your garden, a search of this website and forum for 'bird attracting plants' should bring up some informative threads. Generally concentrate on growing indigenous plants which local birds use, especially dense shrubby species which provide a sanctuary in which small birds can seek safety from larger more aggressive species (and tend to discourage introduced birds).
Thanks heaps, Zosterops, that is exactly the kind of information I was after - a very interesting website. I was pleased to see a New Holland honeyeater and several wattlebirds and galahs on my walk today, so the area is not entirely a wasteland of Indian Mynahs
I like your style, Kath. And I support zosterop's idea of looking to plant species which are indigenous to your area. You could visit your nearest patch of remnant bush or patch of original trees to get an idea of what species grow there & what birds you might eventually attract to your garden. But it's not easy when you're tackling an area which has been altered so much by humans & the invasion of so many feral birds. Still, someone has to start somewhere & you have the honour of being it! Good on you & good luck!
Goodonya Kath and best of luck with your front and back bush garden. And nature strip? I have been to Thomastown a few times and I know what you mean by "neat". Hopefully the lawns and roses mindset will die out eventually, especially with people like you who can show others how its done. With dense planting of natives, winding paths and with a well-sited birdbath or two, you are sure to attract a range of native birds. There may also be a native plant society in the area that can give you help, advice and tubestock.
Thank you Woko; thank you Night Parrot, for such encouraging and helpful words!