Mistletoe Bird by David Ong
To many people, birding may seem an unfathomable pastime, something like train spotting perhaps. Birding may conjure up images of someone feeding magpies or looking through binoculars at birds in an urban park. Such images of a bird observer may not be accurate. Perhaps there are as many reasons why people are interested in birding as there are birders. Some birders wish to see bird species they have not observed before, even if this means travelling to various parts of the country at short notice or trudging through swamps. Some birders enjoy roughing it, camping in a tent in the remote outback, so that they can see the birds of that region. Others travel about birding from early morn to dusk but, at night, prefer the comforts of a motel. Some go on a small fishing boat in rough seas to observe seabirds (a pelagic) whilst others rarely travel far from home. Apart from conducting surveys, birders are often involved in habitat restoration or protection work. This sometimes puts birders offside with those who wish to damage bird habitats, e.g. by clearing natural vegetation. If action is not taken to protect the habitats of birds, bird watching will be more difficult and less enjoyable. That is why more and more stress is being placed on 'conservation' and 'education' and why the name of the parent organisation has been changed from Bird Observers Club. Birding helps one to better appreciate the natural environment and the inter-relationship between plants and animals.
Sean Dooley's book Anoraks to Zitting Cisticola helps explain birding terms and the strange habits of birders.
This book is one of many reviewed on our book review page.
Our BOCA branch offers members a wide range of birding experiences, from bush camps to 4WD safaris, from local outings to surveys which involve wading in swamps or counting parrots in local forests. You are welcome to join us.
Superb Parrot by David Ong
Click here to see more photos by
David of Echuca district birds.
If you are interested in joining BOCA,you can join online using the BOCA headquarters website. If you are a BOCA member and live in the vicinity of Echuca-Moama, there is no additional fee to belong to this Branch. Along the Murray River, there are also branches based on Shepparton/Benalla, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga. Please note that bird-watching sessions for beginners are held in Echuca on the first and third Wednesday morning of each month from February to June (see outings panel to the right for more details).
Latest postings
The news section has been updated to include details about local environmental water releases.
The section about national parks and reserves has been upgraded to provide information about proposed new reserves and about changes to the status/size of exisiting reserves. Click here to enter.
Some new photographs have been added.
The section has been divided into parks starting A to O, parks P to Z, Terricks, Gunbower-Perricoota, Greater Bendigo and Barmah-Millewa. September 2007.
Newsletter 47 (April-May 2008) was posted on the site in April 2008.
A detailed site map has been placed on this page.
A new indigenous animals section has been added to the Echuca Landcare Site in February 2007 and amended in July 2007.
In April 2007, minor revisions were made to Brochure 5 Cohuna/Gunbower Island Guide and a broken link to the Terricks Guide fixed.
Early in 2007, the parks section of the conservation site was updated, some extra reserves were listed, and separate pages were created for Barmah-Millewa Forest,
Greater Bendigo National Park,
Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest and
Terrick Terrick National Park.Deniliquin Birding Guide (pdf brochure, posted September 2006
Birding Guide of Cohuna area, including Gunbower Island (pdf brochure; posted 21 August 2006)
Birding Spots of Kamarooka Forest by Peter Allan (pdf brochure; posted 26 June 2006)
Bird List for Echuca and District (pdf brochure; revised 21 June 2006)
Links last checked and extra links added during February 2007. Please advise webmeister of any additional useful, relevant links.
Birding
Links
1.
Photo galleries
(Peter Fuller's birding site)
(bird section)
(click on 'collections')
2
Birding sites of individual birders (other than photo galleries)
(Mike Reed of Katherine's site)
(Jo Wieneke's site)
3.
Birding paraphernalia
4.
Regional Birding
(north-eastern Northern Territory)
(central Victoria)
(central-eastern inland NSW)
(by Carol Probets)
(Sunshine Coast, Qld)
(central-eastern inland NSW)
(SE Qld)
(north-east Qld)
if link doesn't work, try http://ntbirds.net/
(Leeton NSW)
(South Australia)
(Echuca & District BOCA)
(by Peter Woodall)
(by Peter Waanders)
(by Steve Clark)
(by Tom Tarrant)
(Cumberland Bird Observers)
(by Alan Fletcher)
(by Frank O'Connor)
5
Sites on specific birds or bird types
6.
State or Australia-wide birding sites of groups/clubs
(now affiliated with BOCA)
7.
Commercial birding sites ~ guides, tours etc
(guide: Australia, pelagics, overseas)
(Lamington Plateau, SE Qld)
(Lloyd Nielsen's site)
(Tours and B&B)
(Carol Probets, birding guide)
(north Queensland)
(Kuranda, north Queensland)
(specialising in Lamington National Park, Qld)
(Dr Tonia Cochran ~ accommodation and nature tours)
(videos and DVDs; wildlife guide)
(far north Queensland)
(George Swan)
(inland from Cairns, foot of Mt Lewis)
(Cape York/Innisfail, Queensland)
(eastern NSW)
(bird and plant book author)
8.
Ornithology courses
9
Sightings & records
(commercial database software)
10
Other
This sign pointing to Moama was not photographed any where near Echuca-Moama but along the Quilpie-Eulo Road in south-western Queensland where Moama is the name of an outback property. Photo: K Stockwell.
Echuca
and District BOCA
Bird Observation & Conservation Australia
Click here for reports of recent outings, including our May outings
Click here to download Newsletter 50 (October-November 2008; pdf)
Click here to download Newsletter 49 (August-September 2008; pdf)
Plains-wanderer is the name of the Branch's newsletter.
The sticker shown above has been produced to help increase public awareness
of the needs of this endangered bird.
Copies of the sticker are available from local DPI and Parks Victoria offices.
The Echuca and District Branch is one of many BOCA branches. Click here for links to other branches.
Some of the pages on this site are:
Articles by members
Click here to view a complete list of the pages on this site.
You can download birding crosswords, pdf birding brochures, local bird lists and more from the site map at the foot of this page. There are also pages on local parks and reserves, including Barmah-Millewa, Terrick Terrick National Park and Gunbower-Perricoota ForestFor news about the conservation of birds click here. (This site is maintained by BOCA headquarters). For news about local conservation news and issues click here. (This is a private site, not a BOCA site)
Enjoy exploring the site! If you wish to contact the Branch, details are on the foot of this page. A leader's phone number or email address is listed for most of the coming events.
Members who are unable to attend Branch outings, e.g. owing to work or other weekend commitments, and who would like to do some birding with Peter Allan are invited to contact Peter Allan to arrange a mutually convenient time and location.those interested in birding who reside in the Echuca region are invited to contact John Hurst if they would like to attend beginners sessions on Wednesday mornings, starting February 2008.
Pictured above (or to the left): Peter Allan, Branch President, who was recently presented with a BOCA distinguished service award. Peter was also recently awarded life membership of Birds Australia, having been a member for over 50 years.
Our neXt ouTings
2008
Once announced, we try to run all outings, but please check here for meeting places and dates a few days beforehand in case of last minute changes, e.g. cancellations owing to fire bans, illness of leader or landholder. The Bears Lagoon outing is now Saturday 16th August.
First Wednesday morning of each month Birdwatching for beginners in Victoria Park bushland, Echuca
These sessions have been cancelled owing to the sudden passing of the convener, Dr John Hurst. We extend our sympathy to Gwen and family. New members are welcome; we hope to resume these sessions later this year.Sunday 28th September Kiln Loop Track and Echuca Regional Park
Leader: Keith Stockwell. Meet 8.50 for 9.00 in Echuca Lions Park, corner Campaspe Esplanade and Murray Valley Highway ECHUCA (VicRoads map 266 D6/D7). Visit riverside birding spots along Kiln Loop Track and visit wetlands in Echuca Regional Park upstream of Echuca. Enquiries: 03 5480 9254Note: Echuca Branch is helping organise a BOCA camp on Gunbower Island for 6th to 10th October 2008. Book through BOCA headquarters.
Saturday 25th October MV Kingfisher cruise through Barmah-Millewa Forest
This is a late afternoon and evening activity. Limited places are still available and BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. Contact Peter on 5484 1576 for details.
Representatives meet with Red Gum Engagement Panel
Late in August, our Conservation Officer, our Secretary and two representatives of Goulburn Valley Environment Group GVEF met with members of the Victorian government's River red Gum Community Engagement Panel to discuss the recommendations of VEAC on protecting Red Gum wetlands on the Victorian side of the Murray River. We answered questions asked by the panel, one of which was 'Should part of Barmah Forest be a national park (as recommended by VEAC)?' We pointed out the benefits of a national parks, and argued for transitional arrangements, for compensation to persons adversely affected, against mining in national parks. We discussed hunting (we have no objection to feral animal drives by organisations such as field and Game Australia under the supervision of Parks Victoria), fires, cattle grazing, weed control and the use of sheep as an environmental tool on indigenous grasslands. We were asked some questions which seemed to relate to an alternative report produced by groups with vested commercial interests. Unfortunately we had not seen this alternative report and were unaware of its recommendations. Much of our suggestions related to Kanyapella and Terricks and the desirability of retaining (with modifications as appropriate) community management advisory groups. We gather that it is likely that the recommendations relating to Terrick Terrick National Park and surrounding indigenous grasslands are likely to be agreed to by the government but that some modifications may possibly be made to some of VEACs other recommendations.
Passing of a valued member
It is with sadness that we report the sudden passing of Echuca member Dr John Hurst, aged 72. John has been leading our birding-for-beginners sessions and has assisted with surveys. It is hoped that other members will be able to take over the running of birding-for-beginners sessions. If interested in assisting, please contact Peter. September 2008.
Environmental burns planned for Greater Bendigo National Park
DSE plans to undertake more environmental burns in Greater Bendigo Park. Two control burns were recently undertaken along Campbell Road despite the fact that the areas were home to such locally uncommon species as Gilberts Whistler and Spotted Nightjar and despite the fact that the area concerned is near to the centre of Kamarooka Forest. We understand that the area between the two burnt areas is marked down for a controlled burn as are other areas in the Park. According to a recent research paper, some birds found in the area (e.g. Diamond Firetail) require at least 35 fire-free years in order for the habitat to be optimal for their needs. There have been relatively few fires in the forest over the years. Representatives of the branch are to meet with a representative of Bendigo Field Naturalists Club and DSE to discuss this matter.
Wildflower Tour
A guided bus tour will be held on Sunday 21 st September to the Kooyoora Wildflower Show at the Rheola Hall. A bus is to depart at 10am from Loddon Visitor Information Centre, 24 Wilson St Wedderburn The bus will make its way to Kooyoora State Park for a guided tour. The tour will run from 10.30am until 12.30pm. The bus will then leave for the Wildflower show at the Rheola Hall. Cost is $20 per person (Payment must be made when booking) and includes entry to Wildflower show, bus and showbag. Bookings are essential. For tour bookings contact Loddon Visitor Information Centre, 24 Wilson Street, Wedderburn, phone (03) 5494 3489 On the way back to Wedderburn the bus will stop at local wineries for wine tasting. Cost $20 per person Payment must be made when booking. The fee includes entry to a wildflower show, bus & showbag. Bookings are essential: contact Loddon Visitor Information Centre 24 Wilson Street, Wedderburn Phone (03) 5494 3489
Makeovers
Under the caring for Country programme, applications have been made for environmental works along Gunbower Creek and on Gunbower Island ($200,000 plus voluntary work of similar value), and in the Kanyapella Basin ($400,000). September 2008.• Greenfleet has offered around $250,000 for vegetation restoration work in Terrick Terrick National Park.
• See earlier article about Gunbower below.
Ballarat Visit
Several members of the Ballarat Branch of BOCA visited Echuca on 23rd and 24th August. On the Saturday, they toured Perricoota Road and observed about 64 species, including Grey-crowned Babbler and Swamp Harrier. On the Sunday they visited Terrick Terrick National Park. Some of the species observed in the national park included Hooded Robin, Australian Ringneck, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Gilbert Whistler and Tree Martin. August 2008.
Terrick Terrick forest to Bendigo Creek bio-link completed
A few months ago, Nrthern Plains Conservation Management Network ranger Ben Thomas has announced that he is working with landholders to establish corridors to link the woodlands in Terrick Terrick National Park with Bullock Creek to the west and Bendigo Creek to the east. The wildlife corridors are aimed at enabling existing Grey-crowned Babbler colonies to interbreed, thereby enhancing their genetic diversity. Fencing, direct seeding and planting of indigenous vegetation has now been completed between Bendigo Creek and the forested section of Terrick Terrick National Park.Bendigo Creek (and Pyramid Creek) is being progressively fenced and, where necessary, revegetated in places between Terrick Terrick National Park and the Murray River. Much restoration work has already been carried out along Bendigo Creek, e.g. in Rowlands and Flannerys reserves. August 2008.
Barmah-Millewa CRG dissolved
We have received notification from the Murray Rankin of Department of Sustainability and Environment that the cross-border Barmah-Millewa Community Reference Group has been dissolved. Mr Rankin advised that all Living Murray community reference groups are being reformed with consistent terms of reference and membershipı. Members are to be drawn from a mixture of nominations from key organisations and stakeholder groups, and expressions of interest from the general publicı. Our branch has been represented on the dissolved body and on its predecessor, the Barmah-Millewa forum. We hope to seek continued representation. July 2008.
VEAC completes its investigation of Victoria's River Red Gum Forests
VEAC has concluded its investigation of the use of public land in northern Victoria and released its final report. Some amendments have been made to the draft recommendations, e.g. reductions in the size of some proposed national parks to allow riverside camping with dogs and horses. Reedy Lake Shepparton and McNab Bend on Gunbower Island will be open for duck shooting during the season. A copy of the report can be downloaded from the VEAC web site, ordered from VEAC or collected from DPI offices in the region. As there is a lot of opposition from those with vested interests, members may wish to write to the Minister expressing their views. The Victorian government has set up a panel to advise on the implementation of the recommendations and the Branch has offered to provide input to the panel. August 2008.• See later article above.
Gunbower Creek and Lagoons Restoration Project
Our Branch has been asked to support DPI Kerang and North Central CMA in their quest for a 'Caring for our Country' grant of funding to restore and fence a section of Gunbower Creek, Gum Lagoon and Cockatoo Lagoon by offering to undertake a number of bird surveys in the area over coming years. They are also proposing to construct a fish passage around Thompson Weir and to remove Grey sallow Wattle (an invasive weed) from the area. Such monetary grants can only be obtained if community groups pledge assistance in kind. A quick decision was necessary as the closing date for applications was only hours away. Following discussions amongst office bearers, the Branch has agreed to the request.The Branch has offered its support to a landholder who wishes to have a separate title for an area of bushland bordered in part by Gunbower Creek. The Branch has organised several outings to this piece of bushland on which members have observed around 75 bird species. August 2008.
Branch membership exceeds 75
According to our records, and including a few members who reside outside of our district but who often attend our outings and/or safaris, branch membership stands at 75. This figure does not include BOCA members who reside outside of our region in places such as Leeton and Griffith and may not include some Bendigo area members.Efforts to form a Cohuna-Barham Branch has not been successful so we shall continue to serve members from this area as best we can.
New members are welcome. Contact BOCA headquarters for membership details. July 2008.
Travelling stock routes
Many members are concerned that the NSW government is considering selling or leasing Travelling Stock Routes and TSR Reserves. We have written to our local MLA, John Williams, requesting his assistance in retaining TSRs under government ownership and control. We have suggested that a committee of interested stakeholders be formed to help manage 'The Five Mile' and other reserves along Perricoota Road. Mr Williams has written to two NSW State Ministers regarding our concerns. July 2008.
BOCA early Spring camp in our district
BOCA's early Spring camp is to be held on Gunbower Island from Monday 6th to Friday 10th October 2008. These times will not suit those who work during the week but we have booked an area with toilets and hot showers which is used by scout groups and booked out on weekends. The camp site also features a building which can be used for bird call and evening sessions. Gunbower Island was chosen partly because the environmental water which has been released into some of the wetlands is likely to attract many birds.Note: the dates and venue are now different from those in the DRAFT edition of our August newsletter. Another changed date is that of our Bears Lagoon outing ~ it is now 16th August.
Three consecutive day outings again a success
Over 30 observers attended at least one of our three consecutive daily outings held early in May 2008. One of the properties visited, 'Baltara', was subject of a recent report on ABC-TV's Landline programme. Other properties visited included 'Sandhill Farm' near Gunbower, Rowland Nature Conservation Reserve, 'Womboo" near Bunnaloo, Terrick Terrick National Park and two properties in the Kotta-Pine Grove district. On each of the days, the group observed at least 57 bird species. May 2008.
Gunbower Creek from Sandhill Farm (D Ong)
Environmental water for some Murray Valley wetlands
17 gigalitres of environmental water has been released into some wetland areas fed by the Murray and Goulburn rivers. Some of the wetland areas to receive water are Gunbower Island, Reedy Lake near Shepparton, Kinnairds Wetland in Numurkah, Black Swamp near Shepparton, Moodie Swamp south of Katamatite, Little Lake Boort and the Lindsay-Walpolla wetlands on the Victoria/SA border. Before the release, few local wetlands contained water and there have been relatively few waterbirds in the region. Much of the water will eventually drain back into the river system with downstream benefits. May 2008.
Black Swamp, Gunbower Island, June 2008 (K Stockwell)
A flooded billabong on Gunbower Island, June 2008 (K Stockwell)
Kinnairds Wetland, Numurkah, late May 2008 (K Stockwell)
Reedy Swamp, Shepparton, late May 2008 (K Stockwell)
Remnant vegetation fencing
In April, work began fencing some areas of remnant vegetation on private land near Terrick Terrick National Park. Much natural regeneration of Buloke has occurred in the area over the past few months, and the fencing will help protect the regeneration from grazing by stock. The fencing is being funded by the Northern Plains CMN and is being erected by farmers who are receiving drought relief funding. April 2008
A bird with another name
* Cristidis and Boles have published their book, Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds. Some changes affect the names of birds found in our district. They have renamed Singing Bushlark Horsfields Bushlark; Richards Pipit is now Australasian Pipit; Painted Snipe (now recognised as a separate species to the Asian one) Australian Painted Snipe and Darter is now Australian Darter. Western Wattlebird is now a separate species to the eastern states form, which is still called Little Wattlebird. Vagrants sighted several times over recent years have been added to the list. The taxonomic list order has been amended, e.g. whilst retaining their common names, Chats have been listed amid the honeyeaters. See the April 2008 issue of The Bird Observer for more information. Most bird names remain unchanged. Echuca and District BOCA members interested in the revised list may wish to contact the Secretary for a list. April 2008.
Richards Pipit is now Australasian Pipit (D Ong)
$250,000 greenhouse offset to benefit Terrick Terrick?
* At a Friends of Terrick Terrick National Park dinner meeting in March, DSE spokesperson Peter Morison announced that DSE has received an offer from 'Greenfleet' to revegetate a degraded section of Terrick Terrick National Park as a greenhouse gas offset. The area concerned was cropped before being purchased for inclusion in the park. Subject to the approval of Parks Victoria and traditional owners, the work is to carried out by contractors at no cost to either DSE or Parks Victoria.If the grant is received, DSE will offer assistance with ground preparation and will liaise with stakeholders before the final area to be rehabilitated is finalised.
The grant may enable about 150 hectares of weed-infested land in the north-east of the Park to be revegetated. Originally, the paddocks contained Buloke, with some remnant trees remaining. Peter suggested that the work be undertaken on Ferris, Reigal and White Gate grassland paddocks.
Paddocks which support the endangered Plains-wanderer will not be affected. Nor will taller trees and shrubs be planted close to known Plains-wanderer habitat lest a haven be created for predators such as foxes and cats.
Members of the Friends group gave an in-principle support to the plan but expressed concerns about including White Gate paddock. The Friends stressed that any work should allow for ongoing weed and pest management. In particular, oxalis may prove difficult to control.
Ranger Mark Tscharke tells us that Parks Victoria does not have the resources to undertake ongoing weed control and maintenance of the restoration. The question arises as to whether depleted plant species should be planted or whether an attempt should be made to recreated the original vegetation mix. Recognising that global warming is occurring, another possibility is to plant native species capable of surviving in a hotter, drier climate.
Some Echuca and District BOCA members (photo: Peter Allan)Bowra visit
* A number of members recently went on a tagalong to northern NSW and the Cunamulla area of Queensland. Places visited included Bowra station, a huge property 120km NNE of Bourke, Cocopara National Park, North Bourke and Round Hill. There is a report in Newsletter 49. Birds observed included Grey Falcon, Halls Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Flock Bronzewing, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Bourkes Parrot and Red-winged Parrot. As a result of good summer rains, there were large numbers of budgies, Zebra Finches, Diamond Doves, Crimson Chats and wood-swallows. Raptors were plentiful. The group saw over 100 species on the northern NSW property and over 100 species at Bowra. June 2008.• One member remained at Bowra for several months and helped guide visiting birders about the property. Look for her reports in Plains-wanderer.
Some members at 'Bowra', May 2008
TASalong
* In February 2008, 17 members enjoyed a birding tour of Tasmania. During the Echuca and district Branch TASalong, the group observed all of Tasmania's endemic birds and over 100 species. The trip was organised by Echuca Branch co-founder Jon Hosford and we were guided by Jon and a number of others, including John Bowden (Pt Sorell), Alan Fletcher (Hobart area), and Dr Tonia Cochrane ('Inala', Bruny Island). There were cruises, bushwalks, visits to national parks and more.
The group at Port Sorell with local ranger and penguin protector John Bowden (K Stockwell)
Dusky Robin, one of Tasmania's endemics (D Ong)
Some members aboard a pelagic cruiseLinks: Alan Fletcher's site about Tasmanian birds and Tania's inala.com.au
Download our latest newsletters for reports about the TASalong.
Kanyapella receives maintenance
Improvements have been made to fencing around the Kanyapella Cooperative Management Wildlife Reserve. Some new boundary fences have been erected whilst other boundary fences have been repaired. A new cattle grid has been installed along Mitchell Road and new signs have been erected. Tracks have been cleared of fallen limbs. Another fox eradication drive took place on 1st June 2008. Further engineering works may commence once a heritage study has been completed. Echuca and District BOCA is represented on the management advisory body. April 2008 (revised June 2008).
The demise of Stubble Quail
* Anecdotal evidence suggests that Stubble Quail numbers have crashed in northern Victoria. We are unaware of any sightings over recent months. Although the 2008 duck hunting season has been cancelled in Victoria, the quail hunting season went ahead. The Branch has requested help from BOCA HQ and our local State member in having this year's season cancelled. BOCA met with Birds Australia and forwarded a letter to the Minister calling for the quail hunting season to be cancelled. State member Paul Weller forwarded a letter to the Minister calling for a survey of Stubble Quail numbers.Remaining birds may be concentrated in one or two spots. In a healthy landscape there would be little impact from hunting on the population of these birds but drought and habitat loss have imposed a great stress. It is feared that shooters may eliminate any quail which remain in the area. It is also feared that , unable to find quail, shooters may kill Plains-wanderers. It is feared that Stubble Quail could be eliminated from our district. March 2008.
POSTSCRIPT. Eris O'Brien has been researching existing papers about Stubble Quail and has found that
'the birds don't willingly move around the country ~ movements are more the result of fleeing habitat destruction (either through grazing or ploughing).'The same study showed that the movements from Southern Victoria to Nth Vic (inland) were not very regular and that the birds from the different regions could even be identified as different morphs. the inland bird being smaller and a different colour.
'Movement of Stubble Quail from Gippland to northern Victoria is considered impossible due to the Great Dividing Range, however there could be movement through the Melbourne area, Western District and Wimmera. Movement of SQ from Gippsland is more commonly over the ocean to islands and Tasmania, there are even reports of finding large number of SQ washed ashore from failed movements in this direction.
'Another study on the breeding behaviour of Stubble Quail said that they mate for life and if they loose their partner they are quite reluctant to take on a new one. So for every SQ shot or killed it has s****d up the breeding lives of two. Male SQ almost always flush first from the grasslands, so a very large percentage of SQ shot are male.
'Stubble Quail are believed to breed opportunistically throughout the year in Nth Victoria, so the shooting season often co-incides with breeding events. It is also believed that the same species of SQ used to occurr in New Zealand but has become extinct there. The reason they are not extinct in Australia is because they can breed rapidly, provided there is enough habitat and their partner hasn't been shot'. By Eris O'Brien, via email, June 2008
Vic Park under threat
* Vic Park is an area of bushland and sporting facilities, not a person! Some members are concerned that a road may be constructed across the Campaspe River, through Victoria Park (high school and grass tennis courts), over the boat ramp alongside the caravan park and across the Murray before slicing through an area of bushland. Our secretary has sought representation on a community consultative committee to learn more about the proposal and will work to protect the Murray Pines sandhill section (part of a proposed national park) from being encroached upon. March 2008.
Fire in Moira Forest
* Some time in February 2008, a large fire occurred in Moira Forest alongside Coolamon Road, just beneath the uplifted Cadell Tilt Block and a short distance from the Cobb Highway. The fire was controlled before it burnt either the Reed beds or Moira Lake Flora Reserve. Smoke from the fire blanketed Echuca-Moama and reached Melbourne. Red Gum does not respond well to fire and many, possibly most, of the burnt trees are likely to die. Box trees at the edge of Cooolamon Road and on the uplifted area remain unaffected. Posted March 2008
Winderdoon
* Echuca Branch co-founder Jon Hosford, who now lives in northern Tasmania, has set up two interesting web sites, Winderdoon and a site for teachers and students about Climate Change. The winderdoon site features a number of great photos of Australian birds. There is a link on the Winderdoon site to the climate change site which Jon has developed in conjunction with others. December 2007.
Vandalism at Baillieu's Lagoon
* In December 2007, rotten sods destroyed much of the fencing protecting bushland at Baillieu's (Richardsons) Lagoon, a birding hot spot. The vandals also destroyed road signs and most of the gates along Baillieu Road. It will cost taxpayers and land-holders many thousands of dollars to repair the damage. December 2007
Duck season abandoned
* The Victorian government has announced that, in view of drought conditions and a collapse in the number of water birds, there will not be a duck hunting season in 2008. Quail hunting has not yet been banned. December 2007.
Image-stablizing binoculars
* For some time, image-stabilizing lens have been available for some digital cameras and help bird photographers to get sharp images. Just like camera shake, especially with zoom lenses attached, binocular shake can now be virtually eliminated. Some of the image-stabilising binoculars now on the market are Bushnell StableView 10 by 35 (about $1,300), Fujinon Techno-Stabi 12 by 32 (about $1,500) and Canon 8 by 25 IS (about $460). Such binoculars may suit those with shaky hands. The Bushnell and the Fujinon are very good but heavy. The Canon has the benefit of being much lighter than the others albeit less powerful. Summary of a report in The Age 13/12/07.
Lower Campaspe a 'Demonstration Reach'
* A reach of the Campaspe River between Echuca and Rochester has been chosen as a demonstration reach. Every effort is to be made to rehabilitate this reach as an example of what can be done to restore river health. Much of the reach is to be fenced and, if adjoining landholders agree, revegetated. Improved bird, fish and wildlife habitat should result. The emphasis will be on improving the habitat for native fish. September 2007.
'NestEgg' for Brolgas, Plains-wanderers and Bush Stone Curlews
* NestEgg is a habitat improvement programme which encourages land-holders to undertake and implement on-farm management actions to benefit three ground-nesting birds: Plains-wanderer, Brolga and Bush Stone Curlew.NestEgg encourages farmers to apply for funds by submitting bids for works to encourage these birds to breed. Land-holders decide on what measures they could take and cost them. The programme has been developed by Murray CMA in conjunction with the CSIRO and the Australian Government.
Bonus payments. NestEgg offers upfront payment to participating land-holders and then offers bonus payments for sound natural resource management outcomes.
Additional set bonus payments are available where land-holders maintain good habitat and for the presence and successful breeding of the three species over the three-year life of their agreement.
Successful bids incorporate management actions to improve the birds' key habitat features. For example, a Brolga project may include managing water in a wetland where the bird breeds (to maintain a suitable wetting and drying regime), controlling foxes, or strategically grazing the wetland to ensure indigenous vegetation is a suitable height and condition for Brolgas breeding.
At least 30 land-holders have submitted tenders. The closing date for tenders was to be in early July 2007 but was extended.
Wildlife information sessions Murray CMA has been running a second round of 'Wildlife Wonderments' information sessions across the Riverina. The seminars and field days presented the results of bird and wildlife surveys undertaken by ornithologist and wildlife ecologist Matthew Herring.
The aim of the wildlife surveys is to improve participation in restoration and regeneration, and active management of local wildlife habitat. The sessions play a role in providing land-holders with the knowledge and support to better manage vegetation and wildlife on their farms.
Thousands of locals have attended Matt's sessions over the past few years. A colour brochure is being/has been produced.
For details contact Alexandra Knight of Murray CMA 02 6051 2207 (or 0428 429 985)
New parks proposed for northern Victoria
Note: the final VEAC report on Victoria's Red Gum forests is expected to be released in July.
A draft proposals paper by the Victoria's Environment Assessment Council has recommended that Barmah Forest, Kanyapella Forest and forests along the lower Goulburn River become national parks, that indigenous grassland areas on the Patho Plain become outliers of Terrick Terrick National Park and that shooting be banned in many local wetlands. The area available for timber harvesting is to be reduced and commercial grazing will not be permitted in reserves.VEAC calls for the government to allocate adequate resources for the implementation of its recommendations and to address the current and future land management needs across the region,, with priority given to fire protection, pest plant and animal control, track maintenance, on-ground staff presence and the provision and servicing of recreational and toruist facilities.
But the report warns that, even with the additional protection afforded by reserve status, our riverine forests and wetlands may not survive unless the 'under flooding' is addressed. More substantial environmental water releases are needed.
Nine National Parks (or extensions to existing national parks) are proposed:
· Murray Sunset ~ the existing national park should be expanded in area by about 9% to about 700,000 hectares.
· Hattah-Kulkyne ~ the existing national park should be expanded by about 5 hectares and needs more environmental water. About 50,000ha.
· Leaghur-Koorangie ~ incorporating the existing Leaghur State Park, Wandella Flora and fauna reserve, Mystic Park bushland and a number of other areas of public land. 7,790 hectares.
· Gunbower ~ the Torrumbarry end and some other sections of Gunbower Island. The proposed park excludes most of the forest near Koondrook where forestry activities will be allowed to continue. 9,574 hectares.
· Terrick Terrick ~ the report recommends that some indigenous grasslands on the Patho Plain, including Tomai Gilgaes, Pine Grove and Wanurp NCRs, be added to the existing park to protect endangered grasses and the Plains-wanderer, increasing the area of national park to 3,882 hectares.
· Lower Goulburn River ~ including Wyuna River Reserve, Kanyapella Forest, Yambuna Bridge Bushland Reserve, Loch Garry, Gemmill Swamp, Reedy Swamp and ther Goulburn River littoral. The report stresses the need for Kanyapella Forest to receive environmental flooding f rom time to time and for it to come under the managmenet of Parks Victoria. Yorta Yorta Nations should have a role in the managment of this park. 14,718 hectares.
· Barmah ~ the existing State park plus most of the Barmah State Forest. The report stresses the need for the forest to receive more environmental water and for Yorta Yorta Nations to have a role in the management of this park. 29,942hectares.
· Warby Ranges-Ovens River ~ the existing State Park plus 4,223 hectares along the lower Ovens River.
· Mt. Buffalo ~ 4 hectares to be added to the existing national park.It is proposed that no cattle grazing, logging, wood fires or dogs should be permitted in these national parks. Riverside camping, bushwalking, driving on formed roads and bird observation will be permitted. Grazing and tree thinning may be undertaken for environmental reasons.
Seven regional parks are proposed:
· Kerang Regional Park ~ part of the Kerang wetlands Ramsar site. 1,138 hectares.
· <
