A study conducted by researchers at Charles Sturt University suggests encouraging native bird populations to live around farmland can be highly beneficial to the environment.
In the past, the presence of birds on farmland has been considered harmful since they eat farmer’s crops, although new research suggests the benefits outweigh the costs.
Dr Rebecca Peisley, who observed the impact of birds on orchards, vineyards and grazing land, found predatory birds assisted with insect control, removal of animal waste, reduction in spread of disease and acted as a deterrent for pests such as foxes.