CONSERVATIONISTS want Redland residents to feed native birds but not with food scraps or bird feeders, with their gardens.
Gardeners get a bonus if they attract birds, because most will also eat pest insects.
Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife chief executive Ian Darbyshire said winter was a tough time for animals like honeyeaters.
They relied on nectar but at this time of year flowers were hard to come by.
“Look out for brown honeyeaters, blue-faced honeyeaters and noisy friarbirds in Redland City this month as they move closer into town to find more food,’’ he said.
“Honeyeaters are a part of life here in Australia. They brighten up our days with their impressive colours, calls and personalities.”
Mr Darbyshire said planting native trees and plants in gardens was an easy way to attract native animals.
“Honeyeaters are most active in the early mornings when the flowers are full of nectar. These birds crave a sugary breakfast to kick-start the day, just like many of us do.
“With the effects of climate change already being felt in the delayed seasons and severe weather conditions we’re experiencing, it’s more important than ever to help out our native animals where we can.
“For our honeyeaters, the best thing to do is be mindful when adding plants to your garden.”
Mr Darbyshire said sugared water and other sweet drinks should never be fed to birds as highly processed sugar was as bad for birds as it was for us.
Birdbaths could be a lifesaver, especially during dry periods, but they needed to be installed in a protected place and cleaned regularly.
Rather than just planting lots of big natives like banksias and large grevillias, gardeners could use smaller plants like kangaroo paw and spider grevillia to help out smaller, more timid bird species.
Honeyeaters benefitted gardeners by carrying pollen from flower to flower.
Australia is home to more than half the world’s honeyeaters, with the rest found mainly in New Guinea.
“Not all Australian honeyeaters are thriving,’’ Mr Darbyshire said. “The regent honeyeater is one of Australia’s rarest birds.
“The main threat facing honeyeaters is changes to their habitat.’’
Small birds like finches and quail which were common just 15 years ago at places like the Scribbly Gums Conservation Area which stretches between Cleveland and Alexandra Hills have virtually disappeared, presumably due to disturbances, clearing, cats and foxes.
The foundation wants people to share their stories of how they have helped local species through changes to their gardens. Email stories to fharvey@fnpw.org.au.