BY JARROD McALEESE
RESIDENTS in Cranbourne are being encouraged to lend a helping hand to our native birds this winter – through the Backyard Buddies program run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
The free initiative ensures participants receive an email each month with tips on how to make the backyard inviting and safe for native animals.
Winter is a testing period for birds such as honeyeaters that rely on flower nectar for food, which is harder to access through the colder months.
Ian Darbyshire, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, encouraged locals to consider how they could make their backyards friendly for honeyeaters and other native birds.
“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.
And Mr Darbyshire said honeyeaters will repay the favour by helping protect and sustain backyards.
“Most Aussie honeyeaters help your plants reproduce, by carrying pollen from flower to flower as they look for nectar.
“Another benefit is that they’ll also eat plenty of insects they find in your garden and keep your bug numbers down,” Mr Darbyshire said.
