Birds and cities don't always mix well. But small changes in our behaviour can make a difference

Spring is a great time of year for noticing neighbourhood birds. Here are some simple ideas for helping the birds in Australian back yards, cities and townsChange by degrees offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household's carbon footprintGot a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.comAbout 30% of Australian threatened species can be found in cities and towns, right in front of many of us. Dr Kylie Soanes, an urban ecologist at the University of Melbourne, says while Australians often think of the urban environment as the "opposite to nature", it is really not true.That is especially the case with birds. Guardian Australia's bird of the year poll is a chance to celebrate the birds we love and admire. There are lots of ways to support the birds living in our back yards, in street trees and local parks. Here are five. Continue reading...