In the heart of the NSW town of Lithgow, Dennis Fowler has made a simple yet profound contribution to the local ecosystem that's capturing the hearts and imaginations of Australians nationwide. By constructing a nesting box in his garden, Dennis has provided a haven for a mother kookaburra and her chicks, highlighting a critical issue: habitat loss and the urgent need for human intervention to support our native wildlife.


Australia is a land rich with unique flora and fauna, but with the increasing rate of habitat destruction, many of our native species struggle to find places to nest and shelter their young. This is where Aussies like Dennis and you, our dear Seniors Discount Club members, can make a significant difference.


Dennis's backyard discovery has given a family of kookaburras a home and offered him a front-row seat to the wonders of nature. 'We are amazed at the variety of food these Kookas find to feed their babies. We have seen lizards, worms, goldfish, and frogs,' he shared with Yahoo News Australia. His experience underscores the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of our ecosystems.


Creating a nesting box is simpler than you might think. Dennis uses pine pallets, 'preferably those with 20mm thick planks,' and follows dimensions he finds online to ensure the box is tailor-made for the species. The right box size and entrance hole protect the inhabitants from predators and provide a comfortable space for the birds to raise their young.

But it's not just kookaburras that benefit from these man-made habitats. Across Australia, some 300 vertebrate species rely on tree hollows for shelter and rearing their young. This includes possums, sugar gliders, and microbats, all of which are part of the delicate balance of our local environments.

Local councils have recognised the importance of this initiative and are urging homeowners to follow suit. The City of Parramatta Council, for example, has installed over 450 nest and roost boxes. At the same time, the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary in Victoria sells a range of nesting boxes to attract various species, from owls to ducks to the adorable Feathertail glider.


Natural tree hollows can take up to 100 years to form, and with the challenges of land clearing, urban sprawl, and bushfires, these natural homes are not as readily available as they once were. By installing a nesting box, you're providing supplementary habitat that can make a world of difference.

And don't think you need a sprawling garden to participate. Sydney man Dan Tussie demonstrates that even a 13th-floor apartment balcony can become a wildlife haven. After moving from a rural farm to the city, Dan befriended local lorikeets and created bird boxes for them. Over the past four years, he's witnessed over 50 chicks being born on his balcony, turning his urban dwelling into a bustling bush garden.

The online community is buzzing with stories like these. The public Facebook group Nest Box Tales, with over 27,000 members, is a testament to the growing number of Australians dedicated to supporting our native wildlife. The accompanying website offers many tips, free booklets, and designs for various nest boxes.


So, why not transform your garden or balcony into a sanctuary for local wildlife? It's a rewarding project that benefits our native species and brings the joy of nature closer to home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a city dweller with a small outdoor space, you can make a difference.

We'd love to hear your stories and photos of your backyard discoveries. Have you installed a nesting box or created a habitat for wildlife in your garden? Share your experiences in the comments below and inspire others to join this 'amazing' movement!
Remember, every little bit helps conserve our precious Australian wildlife. Let's work together to ensure our feathered and furry friends have a place to call home.