RAINBOW lorikeets need big, old trees to nest in, so think before cutting any down in the backyard.
‘‘The Hawkesbury lorikeets are looking for some good spots to raise their chicks,’’ the chief executive of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, Susanna Bradshaw, said.
‘‘They will be starting to nest in tree hollows or nest boxes and both parents will take care of them.
‘‘Rainbow lorikeets can be noisy little blighters, but humans can be just as troublesome for them if we cut down their nesting or roosting trees.’’
Ms Bradshaw said lorikeets would make less noise as they were spreading out to find suitable nesting sites.
She advised people not to feed the birds bread or other human snacks as their bodies could not cope well with refined sugar.
‘‘You can feed rainbow lorikeets the natural way by planting native banksias, grevilleas or bottlebrushes in your garden,’’ Ms Bradshaw said.
‘‘Lorikeets love splashing around in birdbaths so you could place one in your garden, near a window and watch their crazy antics up close.
‘‘Plenty of other birds will also thank you for it.’’
The foundation operates the free Backyard Buddies program, which advises on how to make yards safe and inviting for native animals.
■ backyardbuddies.net.au.
