Eastern Spinebill, Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Eastern Spinebill on Kangaroo Paw, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
The Australian National Botanic Gardens contain an extensive collection of Australian native plants. When these are flowering they make a wonderful display in the bushland setting. Fortunately there is always something in flower whenever you visit.
On our last visit early this year we were delighted by the extensive array of Kangaroo Paws in flower. The one shown in the photo above is Anigozanthus flavidus. The Eastern Spinebill’s loved the flowers and came frequently to feed on the nectar in the flowers. Spinebills are members of the honeyeater family of birds in Australia.
Kangaroo Paw, Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Kangaroo Paw, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
I hope my kangaroo paws eventually look like these, and attract the birds like these ones do.
Even though fuchsias are not Australian plants, Eastern Spinebills love their flowers! Especially the tree fuchsia varieties.
I agree Jenny – we’d love to have a garden bed filled with Kangaroo Paws. we’ve had the occasional one or two but not a whole bed of them. And the birds love them too.
Brenton – it’s always interesting to see how our native species adapt to non-Australian plants and flowers. They will exploit anything that gives a good supply of food, protection from predators and nesting sites.
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