Nest Boxes
Australia’s wildlife has the highest rate of hollow dependency in the world, with twice the number of native bird species nesting in hollows compared to Europe, southern Africa and North America. Nest boxes create a small safe environment away from the elements which are a great substitute for naturally occurring hollows in trees. The box entrance should face away from the hot westerly aspect but also be positioned to avoid the wind and wet. Watching new bird families in your own backyard can be an incredibly rewarding experience but when adding these boxes into your garden ensure they are high enough to be safe from any predator.
Prevent Bird strike
There are several different ways that you can prevent birds flying into your glass windows at home. Window strike often occurs when birds can see through one window into your home and out through another. You can help prevent this by simply putting up a curtain on one or both windows or by closing a door that blocks the second window. Birds also often strike windows when they see a reflection of clouds, sky or trees which makes them think they are flying in open air. Try putting a screen or shade cloth over the window closest to bird activity to prevent reflections in the window. There are also many different window decals that can aid bird strike prevention; try hanging up sun ornaments, crystals, strips of cloth or other materials in the window. It is also a good idea to avoid hanging plants in front of windows with high bird activity as birds may fly towards the plant looking for shelter.
Frog Ponds
Frog ponds can provide a home, breeding ground and watering hole for a range of creatures including frogs, birds, and insects. Frog ponds can also provide shelter and water for birds. You may consider adding in native water vegetation to the pond to provide adequate food and shelter for the frogs. When including frog ponds into the landscape of your garden, as well as shelter, sunlight is a must for the small ecosystems to thrive.
Bird Baths
A bird bath is a safe spot for native birds to cool off, clean themselves and rehydrate. As well as nest boxes, ensure the bath is placed high enough off the ground to deter predators. Bird baths require slightly more effort as they need to be cleaned and have the water changed daily. Ensure the water inside your bath is shallow or there are twigs down the bottom so smaller birds or any insects or reptiles that get in there can climb out.
Vertical Space
If ground space is limited, don’t forget about vertical space. Converting a fence or a vertical garden box into a “living wall” it is not only fashionable but environmentally friendly, as it provides a source of food for some native animals as well as a habitat for some smaller creatures such as insects depending on the size of the garden. By filling them with pollen rich flowers, you are encouraging bees and pollinating insects into the area.
*Tips provided by RSPCA Australia’s guide to Keeping Your Cat Safe and Happy at Home.