FW: Habitats and Where-to-buy-Native-Plants-in-the-Canberra-Region.pdf

[Geoffrey Dabb <>]

Thank you for those thoughts Rosemary.  Indeed a complex subject, but I think most will agree with you.  My starting point would be that fleshy-fruit exotic plantings (eg pyracantha, ornamental prunus, blackberry) and other ‘weeds’ are a significant component of the vegetation that supports Canberra’s birdlife. Without them we would probably not see such numbers of, not only currawongs, but silvereyes, bowerbirds and koels. There are other examples of semi-dependence of native bird species on exotic plantings.  Superb parrots like Cootamundra Wattle, Chinese Elm and seeds of introduced weeds and grasses. Shelter is another issue, given the low representation of native shrub species in our woodlands. Policy on removal or reduction is another matter.  I think each of us will have a favourite plant candidate for banishment.

 

From: Canberrabirds <> On Behalf Of Rosemary Blemings
Sent: Tuesday, 31 May 2022 5:40 PM
To: Canberra Birds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Habitats and Where-to-buy-Native-Plants-in-the-Canberra-Region.pdf

 

 

 

Kim and Fleur’s postings today reminded me that COG members might find this listing of outlets for native plant species useful. 

 

   https://nativeplantscbr.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Where-to-buy-Native-Plants-in-the-Canberra-Region.pdf 

 

 

As we try to create and maintain habitat for birds and their prey species around our homes it makes sense to prioritise species suited to the conditions experienced in the Canberra region!!

 

………………………………..PLUS………………………………………………………………………………...

 

P.S. #1

I’d love to suggest, via the RiotACT, a  Berry Blitz for the ACT and region…….

 

 

If householders removed and green-binned all the berries they could reach, thousands of invasive species’ seedlings wouldn’t reach the nature reserves that are habitat for native birds  in Currawongs’ droppings. 

 

But if if Currawongs didn’t have berries to feast on they would prey on the smaller birds now as well as in spring when their victims are nesting……there are consequences for every action 😉 And Currawongs aren’t the only culprit species dispersing berries. 

 

P.S. #2

Cotoneaster berries shown from a recent Landcare session on Mt Rogers 2615. I estimated that, on average,  each cluster consisted of 30 berries. Each berry appears to hold at least two seeds.

In the 1970’s Cotoneaster, Privets, Hawthorn and Firethorn were among species give FREE to householders to green up and screen their new backyards/blocks.

Rangers and landcaring volunteers have spent thousands of hours removing these invasive species from reserves in the last 2-3 decades. 

 

R 

 

 

 

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