Highlands birdwatchers are set to extend their conservation interests further afield.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The local Birdwatchers are heavily involved in supporting conservation projects such as the Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Mittagong Creek Riparian Regeneration and the Greening Australia Bush Connect Project along the Wingecarribee River.
Birdlife Southern Highlands (BLHS) members conduct regular bird counts at 10 sites across these two local conservation projects.
They have also extended their interest in conservation activities farther afield by commencing regular seasonal bird monitoring at 10 Travelling Stock Reserves.
With the support of the Local Land Services Office at Goulburn, BLSH hopes the data it gathers in its “Long Paddock” project will help promote the recreational and biodiversity value of these unique public lands which play such a critical part in the agricultural history of the region.
In keeping with this conservation theme, a project of international importance will be discussed at its final Guest Speaker Night for the year on November 27 at the East Bowral Community Centre at 7.30pm.
The birdwatchers will have the opportunity to hear from George Lemann when he shares his experiences on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia.
Mr Lemann was already working on South Georgia at the British Antarctic Survey Research Station when he secured a position with South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project.
A team of conservationists was working to eradicate the introduced Norway rats from the island where they had inflicted a devastating impact on the endemic South Georgia Pipit and South Georgia Pintail Duck, as well as the multitude of other ground nesting sea-birds.
A feature of this very successful multi-layered program was the use of sniffer dogs to seek out any last remaining populations of introduced Norway rats left on the island at the end of a seven year-long campaign.
The dogs were crucial in helping reach the 100 per cent result that the program aimed to achieve.
The project was completed successfully in April this year and stands as one of the most ambitious conservation projects successfully attempted in such a harsh and challenging physical environment.
Members of the public who would like to hear about the South Georgia project can find out the details and register to attend with Col at liaison_blsh@birdlife.org.au
