For example, Pardalotes are small birds which live almost entirely in Eucalyptus forests and woodlands. They need the trees for nesting and for shelter, and they benefit them by feeding on scale, thrip and other insect pests. For this reason Pardalotes are sometimes called 'the vacuum cleaners of the gum trees'. Artificial foods are generally best avoided because they create dependence and may lack the correct balance of nutrients. Almost all birds require regular access to clean water, for drinking, for bathing before preening their feathers and to keep cool in summer.
Birdbaths are often too low.
To keep cats out of reach the pedestal should be about a metre or more in height, and the bowl should be up to half a metre across with sloping sides to provide variable water depth suited to a variety of birds. A simple and effective birdbath can be made by first installing to a depth of about half a metre a hardwood or treated softwood post, 1.5 metres in height by about 125 millimetres across, then securing a glazed saucer or container using a proprietary adhesive, and filling with water. The local birds are more likely to use a bath situated close to protective trees and shrubs, although they may take several days to discover it. A garden pond will attract frogs and other native wildlife, half-buried stones and boulders provide refuge for lizards, and specific plants attract butterflies and colourful beetles. Strategically placed hollow logs and nesting boxes, their openings protected from direct sunlight and prevailing winds, will encourage birds and perhaps possums to take up residence until trees and shrubs have developed enough to provide natural nesting sites.