Dear All,
Thanks for all the ideas and help so far. My parochial concerns about
S-E Melbourne seem rather insignificant in relation to the invasion of
exotics (plants and animals) across this continent but I have learnt
that quite small plants like Common White Heath (Epacris impressa), the
Victorian floral emblem, and the Astrolomas are winter sources of nectar
for a range of honeyeaters.
A surprise from a recent check of my collation of local records is the
number of bird species feeding on Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina
verticillata) - presumably this small attracts insects which then
attracts the birds. Honeyeaters recorded on it locally include Singing,
Spiny-cheeked, New Holland, White-naped and Fuscous. (This tree almost
disappeared locally because it was used for firewood but many have been
planted by Friends groups and the Council).
Some literature references are:
Barker, R.D. & Vestjens, W.J.D. The food of Australian birds. Vol.I -
Non-passerines, CSIRO, ACT, 1989 Vol.II Passerines, CSIRO, Melbourne,
1990. (1000 pages in these two books)
Salter, Barbara. Australian Native Gardens and Birds. Jacaranda Press
(Melbourne?) 1969 and Ure Smith, Sydney, 1977.
Adams, George Martin. Birdscaping Your Garden, Rigby, Sydney?, 1980
The CSIRO reference can be found from the excellent search engine on
www.dwe.csiro.au
There is also some useful advice from the Society for Growing Australian
Plants web site: www.ozemail.com.au/~sgap. See the item about bushland
management in the September issue of "Australian Plants On Line".
Michael Norris
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