While we are away in the Southern Highlands trying to keep warm and enjoying the bird species of that area I will share with you some of our local Broome birds.

I was quite surprised that I have not actually done a post on Double-barred Finch as they are often the first birds in our garden each morning and often the last to leave. I suppose it is quite easy to overlook a bird species that is common, but recently the numbers have increased and up to forty birds have been feasting on the seed in our grass and making the most of the water that we provide. Our water stays on a slow drip all year around and so a lot of birds rely on the water source due to the fact that our garden is open and they are fairly safe. The Brown Goshawk does attack on occasion, but the birds are good at warning each other of its presence.

Double-barred Finch

Double-barred Finch eating grass seed

It is a lot less common for us to see Long-tailed Finches in our garden nowadays, though they were the predominant species of finch in our garden when we first moved in. We also have the occasional Zebra Finches visit, but they disperse a lot around the bush and you could easily miss them visiting the watering point.

The birds use our “pretend power line” to enter the garden and the juvenile Double-barred Finch do not have “double-bars” initially, but grow into them.

Double-barred Finch (7)

Double-barred Finch on the pretend power line

They spend a lot of time bathing and drinking at our water source, which is very close to the house. They can observe what is going on around them, so they are comfortable with the closeness of the building.

Double-barred Finch (8)

Double-barred Finch (4)

Double-barred Finch (3)

Double-barred Finch (6)

Double-barred Finch (5)

Bathing Double-barred Finch

Any garden can attract birds by just adding water and it does not take long for the birds to move in.

Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!