Aussie Finch Forum

I found this small plant growing in the water on the edge of a nearby lake. It has red tendrils, green leaves and a pink seed head about 10 cm long.
does any one know it's name and is it safe for finches?

A type of native rush like Juncus species, they are fine for birds. However, I would only use the seed head or parts of the plant that has been out of water. The parts that have been underwater could be contaminated with anything, from whatever gets into the water.

If there are waterbirds in the area I would leave them so there is no chance of picking up a bird virus from them. Waterbirds have a lot of bacteria and other micro-organisms in their digestive tract and I would not want that anywhere near my birds.

I have Googled all types of water plants and now think that it may be, Smart weed--Water pepper.
This is the plant that looks closest to what I have got.
As Rod said it could also be of the Juncus family but couldn't find any as close as the Water Pepper.

Cheers

I would just err on the side of caution given the information and possibility of transferring an "ooglie" to your birds. I have seen this plant often in my travels freshwater fishing and have seen many waterbirds foraging amongst it. For me I would say "NO".

Ken.