What's not to love about Australian birds?
From cheeky parrots to awe-inspiring owls, Australia's feathered friends are something to sing about. And with some help from us, these remarkable creatures can continue to thrive and bring joy for generations to come.
Whether you're a passionate twitcher or an amateur bird watcher, there are plenty of ways to get involved with protecting these incredible creatures.
Here are our top tips.
Food and water
With so much competition for resources, any extra food and water you can provide will help native birds stay healthy. Water needs to be clean and consistent. Birds know when a water source is no longer available, so make sure to keep it topped up.
As for food, the most sustainable approach is native grasses and plants. Of course, a few sunflower seeds here and there won't go amiss either, especially if you want return visitors.
Habitat
Habitat is one of the major threats to Australian birds, so it's essential to try and create a safe environment for them.
Trees
Plants are an excellent place to start for habitat. Research the birds in your region and choose varieties of trees that will create habitat suitable for them. Start with a habitat for more critically endangered birds if possible.
For instance, the team at Feathered Friends offers packs of seedlings targeted specifically to black cockatoos if you happen to live in a region where these birds are common.
Hollows
Before you remove any older trees, consider turning them into hollows for nesting. See arborist and conservationist Kailas Wild for his clever approach to creating habitat using dead eucalyptus branches.
Nest boxes
Providing nest boxes for birds to live in gives them a chance to reproduce safely. DIY nest boxes are easy to build from recycled materials, or ready-made ones can be bought from many online suppliers.
Make sure they are suitable for native birds, or you'll find invasive species moving in pretty quickly.
Support organisations
Many organisations and land care groups work hard to protect Australian birds and their habitats.
A great way to help birds is to get involved in the local community and make a difference. Landcare Australia has community groups all over Australia dedicated to caring for land and waterways.
Supporting these groups through involvement in their events or donations is a great way to show your support.
Education
Last but not least, teach others about Australian birds.
Share information about their behaviour and habitats with friends, family and colleagues – knowledge is power.
A great place to learn about and share Australian bird information is Drewdleville's Instagram account, where fun illustrations and facts about our fabulous feathered friends are regularly posted.
These small steps can make all the difference in preserving bird numbers in Australia.
At the end of the day, it's up to us to step up for our amazing Australian birds. So why not take some time today to learn how you can help these incredible creatures continue to thrive? The sky is truly the limit.
The birds thank you for your support.