We’ve been setting up a new garden which has a water feature at the centre – just high enough to be a good vantage point for Kookaburras. The birds have taken to sitting on the top-tier to spy insects and worms in the garden bed below. The photograph above was taken through my study window.
I will feature the garden in a future post, to highlight the native plants we have used, but the general idea is to create a low-growing bushy garden which flowers year-round to attract honeyeaters. We didn’t anticipate attracting Kookaburras, Crimson Rosella’s and Magpies, but these are the three species which seem to have adopted the water feature, in particular. I’m sure the smaller birds will come once the plants are high enough and in flower.
Fifteen Acres 
I’ll be interested to see what birds become regulars, we rarely see the little birds because they zip in and out to the hidden birdbaths.
Wow, how wonderful! I have been away for a bit and wondered how the ducklings were faring! WRT a shrubby garden, we have planted 100s of shrubs and trees and (some 8 years later) the small birds have gone crazy! Growing plants from seed is easy and cheaper than buying them, if that helps any!
Thanks! That’s good to know. Yes, I need to investigate seeds and other forms of propagation from natives we have here already. Some, like the Callistemon’s which were planted by previous owners are a great bird attraction, but out of view of the house. Thanks for sharing your ideas! How many years did it take for the small birds to discover the garden was there?
It took a while, the bushes had to thicken up a bit – maybe 5 years? Depending on your climate (we have very hot, dry summers) it pays to water young plants for the first year or so. Polypipe and drippers are great and can be used over and over. Seed collection and propagation of Callistemons is very rewarding.
Great! Thank you! That’s all useful information.