TREES FOR THE BIRDS

Flowering trees bring so much to a garden and there's nothing quite as ornamental as trees full of birdlife

- JENNIFER STACKHOUSE

In early spring in my garden, honeyeaters are calling out to one another as they flock to the pendulous yellow flowers on the large kowhai (Sophora tetraptera).

Every now and then there's a tussle and a cascade of yellow flowers fall to the ground. There's already quite a carpet of yellow.

As well as the large wattlebirds, there are several smaller honeyeater species including the New Holland honeyeater and the crescent honeyeater. The tree is also buzzing with bees.

This show goes on all day from dawn to dusk for several weeks while the tree is in flower and birds also appear before the buds open. From when the colour begins to show, birds drop by to check on the tree's progress.

It is just one of many trees in my garden that bring in the birds. As well as the kowhai, a New Zealand native, we have several large white gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) that attract birds all year round but particularly when they're in flower.

Below them are several other birdattracting plants including a tree-sized waratah, another favourite with honeyeaters when it's in bloom in early spring.

GOOD TREE CHOICES FOR BIRDS

While birds visit most garden trees, choosing one that offers food as well as shelter is beneficial to your local environment.

When selecting a tree to plant in a garden, choose a species that is not likely to become a weed problem (check your local council environmental weed list) and is long lived.

Site the tree so it has plenty of room to grow both up and across so it doesn't become a problem a few years down the track.

Avoid planting near paving or hard surfaces and avoid a position where branches will overhang buildings.

• Nuts or cones Hakea, she-oak (pictured above), almond, walnut, hazelnut