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Creating hedges with local native shrubs, installing a bird bath, or building a nest box are just some of the tips for creating bird-friendly gardens in a new series of guidelines from the Birds in Backyards Program, a joint project of Birds Australia and the Australian Museum.

The guidelines provide the first comprehensive summary of scientific research on birds in urban areas and offer advice to those keen to create a refuge for our feathered friends.

The ‘Guidelines for the Development of Urban Bird Habitat’ summarise the findings of more than 120 scientific papers in simple, user-friendly language and are now available and FREE to download from the Birds in Backyard website – www.birdsinbackyards.net/spaces/guidelines.cfm

There are seven step-by-step handouts for a variety of gardening gurus – from the ‘greenthumb’ living in high-density housing to rural townships, schools and large companies undertaking major urban construction. Birds in Backyards, Program Manager, Holly Parsons, says creating bird-friendly habitat - particularly for rare and smaller species – is something we all should get involved in.

‘While a single garden cannot provide everything a bird needs, it’s a start. Our bird community is changing; smaller birds are declining while large, aggressive birds are becoming commonplace in our gardens,’ she said. ‘It is not only up to the individual gardener to think about their gardening practices. Local councils and developers who decide how large parcels of land are managed have a huge responsibility to ensure the survival of our native birds - especially as natural habitats continue to be cleared, water becomes scarcer and animals are forced to move in response to climate change.’

Ms Parsons hopes the guidelines will raise awareness of the value of birds in our urban areas and the importance of this habitat to them. ‘The urban environment provides a valuable resource for a whole range of native birds - not only for the common birds like parrots, magpies and currawongs but also for a range of smaller birds like the little honeyeaters and insectivores who rely on the food and shelter provided by parks and gardens,’ she said.

She says a range of measures can be taken to create good bird habitat in our gardens. ‘Studies show that many of our small birds need a shrub layer so planting native plants like hakeas, tea trees and local native grevilleas (as opposed to the popular hybrids) may help create a great habitat for them. Little birds need dense shrubs to protect them from attacks and predation by other larger, more aggressive birds.’ The guidelines are applicable to all Australian towns and cities.

They include examples of successful gardens and urban restoration projects from across the country to inspire individuals and groups to undertake their own work.