Tasmanian Migrants set up camp in Australia's Backyards

Every year, the tiny Tasmanaian Silveryes (below) migrate across the Bass Strait to spend winter with their mainland cousins (right) in suburban backyards from Victoria to Queensland

The Silvereyes are useful little birds in backyards. While they can occasionally eat more than their fair share of your fruit, they also eat your garden insects. They are among the most effective controllers of aphids in the bird world, and there are a few simple things people can do to invite them into their backyards

Australia’s new Backyard Buddies program is all about getting more enjoyment from native animals in your backyard. It can provide tips and advice on how to make your backyard a safe place for small birds like the Silvereye. 

“The Silvereye is at home in eucalypt forests, woodlands, mallee, heath and mangroves, and is just as happy to share your backyard,” says Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, which runs the Backyard Buddies program.

“The Tasmanian visitors mingle happily with the local silvereyes, and they look pretty much alike – small, olive green with distinct white ‘spectacles’ around their eyes. The Tasmanian ones are just a little darker and perhaps a little bigger. It is difficult to tell these tiny birds apart, but if their numbers seem to explode literally overnight, it might be a good indicator that you have some visitors from the Apple Isle.”

“There have been records of the same Tasmanian Silvereyes turning up in the same mainland backyards several years in a row.

“We still don’t know how these tiny birds find their way, or even why they migrate at all. Quite a few of them prefer to put up with the cold and stay on the island while others branch out for a visit to Adelaide for a winter residence.”

“Silvereyes are always on the move looking for food, but they prefer the lower branches of shrubs and trees so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your cat,” Ms Gale explains.

“Keeping cats inside is a good idea or you can install barriers of prickly or spiky groundcover plants. They are unpleasant to walk on and will deter most cats from bird baths and nest boxes.”

So what else can you do to be a Backyard Buddy to small birds?

• Select a range of plants that produce flowers and seeds throughout the year to ensure a year round food supply
• Small birds love dense shrubs to hide in and to build their nests so create layers and clumps of vegetation for protection and nesting
• Consider some spiky groundcover – you may need to wear gardening gloves when handling them, but they will also keep cats away from your birds and bird baths and nest boxes
• Acacias, banksias, Prickly Box, Casuarinas and Native Fuchsia and native grasses provide seeds and fruit. Golden Wattle, Kangaroo Paw, Grevilleas and Hakeas add colour and provide food for nectar eaters. Acacias, Hakea, Salt Bush and Melaleuca are excellent plants to provide shelter and nesting sites in August to February.
• Avoid using pesticides or chemicals in your garden. The birds will absorb the harmful chemical if they eat poisoned insects or sprayed fruit. 

Find out what else you can do for native birds in your backyard www.backyardbuddies.net.au

If you have a photo of the birds and native animals in your own backyard enter the ‘Show off your buddies’ photo competition. Simply visit www.backyardbuddies.net.au and click on the ‘Show off your buddies’ link to email your pictures. All entries are published online, with the monthly winner receiving a prize.

The Foundation greatfully accepts donations to support the recovery of threatened species in the wild.

Images:

This page - © Ursual Munro
Homepage - © Brett Donald

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