1. Ensure feeding stations are placed out of reach of cats and other predators.

2. Clean stations daily and remove food after an hour. Vary the time of day in which you provide food.

3. Use good-quality food such as commercial nectar mixes or seed mixes. Cheaper supermarket seed does not contain sufficient nutrition for birds. never provide junk food.

4. If feeding meat-eating birds, such as kookaburras, use sliced meats rather than minced or processed meats. It’s even better if it can be supplemented with an insectivore mix, such as wombaroo.

5. Cease feeding if large flocks (of 20-plus birds) begin feeding at the same time.

6. Feed your pets indoors or remove their leftover food. Common mynas and other birds regularly eat pet food so limit their access to it.

7. Create habitat for birds by growing local native plants species that will provide natural food sources and potential nesting sites.

8. Never feed birds in natural areas or parks.

9. make feeding an occasional treat (for you and the birds), not a daily event. Think of it as a Tim Tam and a cup of tea.