Today’s Bird of the Day, the grey butcherbird, was chosen by Clover Moore, the Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Moore said she loved birds and found it too hard to pick just one favourite.
“The butcherbird has the most wonderful song. They sometimes come over to our apartment. One spring, they came with their babies.”
She said it was similar to kookaburras with their song, which was also wonderful.
“I love kookaburras, lorikeets, rosellas. I love seeing lorikeets and rosellas in banksia trees.
“My heart sings when I hear kookaburras in Redfern because of all the trees we’ve planted.”
The City of Sydney is working to create an urban forest and support biodiversity to provide demonstrated benefits of plants and animals. Read more about greening and nature here.
The City says residents can help native animals in the city by creating native gardens and habitat.
“A simple way is to create ‘habitat gardens’ – in our backyards, on our balconies, in common areas, or community spaces like local schools.
“Native gardens provide a safe and welcoming environment for native animals. More of these green spaces also help make our city healthier and more liveable. Being close to nature lowers stress, boosts immunity, increases creativity, and helps us think and feel good.”
Find an Urban habitat creation guide and a guide for Living with local wildlife here.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
The City of Sydney is also supporting the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, October 17-23.
“Our common backyard species give us the best indication of the health of our natural environment – think of birds as a barometer for nature.
“That’s why each October, people count how many birds they see within 20-minutes in their backyard, local park, even in the heart of the CBD or any other area. This provides a snapshot at the same time each year, allowing us to look at trends in our bird communities, and enabling you to make an important contribution to citizen science.
“Especially important in 2022, the Bird Count is a fun and safe activity. But counting birds isn’t just a fun activity for you and the environment – spending time observing nature has been proven to provide benefits to mental health and wellbeing.
“All it takes is 20 minutes in your backyard, local park, or favourite outdoor space – anywhere you can count birds.
“Count the birds that are counting on you.”
Register to be part of the nation’s largest annual citizen science event here.
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Follow @southsydneyherald on Instagram to see our birds of the day and learn about protecting urban biodiversity.
