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 feeding magpies or looking through binoculars at the birds in a park. 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 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. 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
June 2008 newsletter. 'Final' version posted 6th May 2008.
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.
B
O C A Echuca
Bird Observation & Conservation Australia
Click here for reports of recent outings, including our May outings
Click here to download Newsletter 48 (June-July 2008; pdf)
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 Forest
For 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!
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 to the left: Peter Allan, Branch President
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Notice to members
At the annual general meeting of the Echuca and District Branch of BOCA on Sunday 9th December, all existing office bearers were re-elected. Dallas Wyatt was elected to fill the vacant conservation Officer position. The next annual general meeting will be in December 2008.
Some Echuca and District BOCA members at the AGM (photo by Peter Allan)
Notice to members in Cohuna-Barham area
It has been suggested that a BOCA Branch be formed in the Cohuna-Barham area. Several BOCA members reside in the vicinity. If a meeting is convened to consider this possibility, members who reside in the area are likely to be advised by email or mail. Such a meeting is unlikely to occur until sometime later in 2008. If you are interested, contact Richard Hunter at BOCA HQ or Barham residents Margaret and Ken Dredge.
TASalonG
In February, 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 newslettersfor reports about the TASalong.
Recent Sightings
In February and March 2008, several brolgas were sighted along irrigation channels near Terrick Terrick National Park by local resident Jenny Spence.In early December, a Red Knot was observed in the shallows of Lake Boga. It is unusual to observe this species in the greater Echuca region. This migratory wader is often observed over summer at such places as Broome and in the mud flats at Cairns, but not in northern Victoria or southern NSW.
Throughout November, there were reports of Australian Pratincole (see photo above) and Inland Dotterel at Terrick Terrick East NCR (corner Clee and Tomara Roads Pine Grove). Eris O'Brien has observed abnormally large flocks of Shelduck and cockatiel in the area. There have been several reports of Glossy Ibis in the greater district (e.g. Cohuna STW, Deniliquin STW and near Hunter NCR).
8 Jan 08 Dollarbird (1) Moama Wetlands (near Scout Hall) (Branch outing)
26 Dec 07 Yellow form of Crimson Rosella (1) Rochester (Peter Allan). This was the first time that Peter, who lives in Rochester, Victoria, has seen the yellow form in the town.
26 Dec 07 Tawny Frogmouth (2 adults plus a chick just one or two days old) Womboota Pottery (Suzanne Massee)
25 Dec 07 Crimson form of Crimson Rosella (1) Pine Grove (Eris O'Brien) It is very unusual to see this form in the Pine Grove to Echuca area.
24 Dec 07 Cockatiels (60) Pine Grove (Eris O'Brien) It is unusual to see such a large flock in that district.
23 Dec 07 Australian Shelduck (300) Flooded farmland at Terrick Terrick (Eris O'Brien) Unusual to see such a large flock.
mid Dec 07 Regent Honeyeater (1) Rochester (Peter Allan). The bird flew over Peter's residential property.
9 Dec 07 Red Knot (1) Lake Boga (Simon Starr)
8 Dec 07 Spotted and Spotless Crake and Curlew Sandpiper, Cussen Park, Tatura (Goulburn Murray outing)
26 Nov 07 Inland Dotterel, Terrick Terrick East NCR (Simon Starr)
22 November 2007
Budgerigar (6) Pine Grove (Eris O'Brien). Eris last observed budgies on his farm about 10 years ago. There have also been Cockatiels and Orange Chats on the property over recent months. (See below).20 November 2007
Stubble Quail (3) Pine Grove (Eris O'Brien). This species used to be fairly common in the area but numbers have crashed and sightings are now few and far between.10 November 2007
Dollar Bird (2) Axedale area (Marlene Lyell)10 November 2007
Avocet (100+) Lake Boga and Kelly Lake; Whiskered Tern (about 500) Lake Boga; Red-capped Dotterel (several) Lake Boga, Blue Bonnet (2) Tresco West Bushland Reserve, Black Swan (200+) Kelly Lake (Branch outing to Lake Boga/Benjeroop area).1 November 2007
Peregrine Falcon(1), White-winged Triller (1) Hunter NCR (Peter Allen)28 October 2007
Australian Pratincole (3), Banded Lapwing (30) Terrick Terrick East NCR (Eris O'Brien).Late October 2007
Inland Dotterel (1) Terrick Terrick East NCR (Russell Shawcross)14 October 2007
Dollar Bird (1) Wills Bend, Murray River Parklands (10km downstream of Echuca) (Branch outing)7 Oct 07
Red-backed Kingfisher (1) Old Boort Road north of Wedderburn north of Pocock's block (BOCA camp)7 Oct 07
Southern Scrub Robin (2) Quarry, OId Boort Rd north of Wedderburn (BOCA camp)6 Oct 07
Grey-crowned Babblers (3 parties of 2 or 3) Bendigo Creek south of Jungaburra Road, Terrick Terrick National Park (S Starr, T Dolby et al). This is one of a few sightings of this species over recent years. Chestnut-crowned and White-browed Babblers were also observed in the park. Gilberts Whistlers are still in shrubs at the base of the walking track up Mitiamo Rock.4 Oct 07 Southern Boobook (1) Hillview Ave MOAMA (K Stockwell)
28 Sept 07
Orange (8) and White-fronted Chats (50-100) Pine Grove (Eris O'Brien)15 Sept 07
Black-chinned Honeyeater (1) Terrick Terrick National Park (Branch outing)15 Sept 07
Black Falcon (1) O'Brien property, Pine Grove (Branch outing)10 Sept 07
Sacred Kingfisher (1) alongside Campaspe river near Axedale (Marlene Lyell) ~ first sighting for season of this migratory species.10 Sept 07
Brolga (3 incl a juvenile) in irrigated paddock alongside Lowrie Road near Kotta-Lockington Road (Drew Gailey)6 Sept 07
Brolga (12) near where Leitchville Rd crosses Goulburn Channel (Jill Millsom)6 Sept 07
Echidna (1) Mount Hope, Vic (Jill Millsom). Echidnas are rarely sighted in this area.6 Sept 07
Echidna (1) Lake Timms Rd Terrick Terrick (Fred Belhi) 6 Sept 07 Brolga (6) Yarrawalla, a locality near Pyramid Hill (Simon Starr)Please email details of unusual sightings in the greater Echuca-Moama district to stocky at echuca dot com dott au
Interest shown in three consecutive day outings
Over 30 observers have booked in to attend one or more of our three consecutive daily outings over the next few days. More have booked in for Sunday than for the subsequent days. 2 May 2008.
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 on Gunbower Island. Other wetlands to benefit include Reedy Lake near Shepparton, Kinnairds Wetland in Numurkah, Black Swamp near Shepparton, Moodie Swamp near Shepparton, 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.
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. April 2008.
$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 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.
Wildlife corridors
Northern 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. 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 work has been carried out in laces such as Rowlands and Flannerys reserves.
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
Kanyapella better managed
Improvements have been made to fencing around the Kanyapella forest and wetlands. 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. Most tracks have been cleared of fallen limbs. Another fox eradication drive is about to begin. 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
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 seems set to proceed. The Branch has requested help from BOCA HQ and our local State member in having this year's season cancelled. BOCA has met with Birds Australia and forwarded a draft letter to the Minister calling for the quail hunting season to be cancelled. State member Paul Weller has agreed to forward 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.
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, 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 third round of information sessions is about to get under way. A colour brochure is being produced.
For details contact Alexandra Knight of Murray CMA 02 6051 2207 (or 0428 429 985)
New parks proposed for northern Victoria
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.
· Shepparton Regional Park ~ the riverine forest between Shepparton and Mooroopna. 603 hectares.
· Murray River Park ~ a long treescape corridor along the Murray, including Victoria Park bushland Echuca and the existing Echuca Regional Park. 32,028 hectares
· Kings Billabong Park ~ near Mildura, including Karadoc State Forest.. 3,535 hectares
· Murray Kulkuyne Park ~ alongside Hattah-Kulkuyne National Park. 3,999 hectares.
· Gadsen Bend Park ~ near Robinvale. 1,618 hectares.
· Nyah-Vinifera Park ~ including the exisiting Nyah State Forest. 1,391 hectares. It is recommended that camping, dogs, fishing and winter fires be allowed in these parks. Cattle grazing and logging will not be permitted. Driving is to be restricted to formed roads.A number of Nature Conservation Reserves are proposed, including Lake Yando, Johnson Swamp, Tang Tang Swamp, Thunder Swamp, Wallenjoe Swamp and Pipit Grasslands (Roslymead).
It is recommended that the Port of Echuca and Banyula Forest be designated as Echuca Historic and Cultural Features Reserve.
75% of the area of Gunbower State Forest that was available for lumbering will still be available. Benwell and Guttram State Forests remain unchanged.
It is recommended that the area of State Forest in the study area be reduced from 106,910 to 12,205 hectares. In effect, the area available for timber harvesting may fall from 25,165 to 10,105 hectares. In Victoria, sustainable harvest is expected to fall to 62% of current harvest.
The draft proposals apply only to the Victorian side of the State border.
Some members requested that the Branch make a formal submission which concentrates on Kanyapella and Terricks. Following consultation with members, one was prepared and the submission has been placed on (or is to be placed on) the BOCA web site. Submissions on the draft have now closed.
The parks section has been upgraded with annotations about the proposed changes. The section now contains notes on several hundred local reserves plus some more photographs.
Petition aims to save migratory waders
Huge numbers of migrant birds are expected to perish due to the world's largest land reclamation project, which has all but destroyed their most important refuelling station. An on-line petition aims to lessen the impact.
In April 2006, a 33km seawall was completed at Saemangeum on the Yellow Sea coast of South Korea. The wall excluded the tide from 400 square kilometres of mudflat which was the most important staging area for many species of migratory shorebirds which visit the Yellow Sea as they travel ffrom Australia to their breeding grounds in Siberia each year.
This action completed the creation of the Saemangeum Reclamation Area.
Several bird species, already near extinction, are affected, and numerous species, from shellfish to fish to birds are being harmed by the drainage of the Saemangeum Wetland in South Korea. Prior to this destruction it met multiple criteria of the Ramsar Convention for designation as a protected Ramsar wetland.
There is every likelyhood that the reclamation will bring about a reduction in migratory shorebird numbers overall. Some are particularly concerned about one-third of the global population (280,000) of Great Knot; they relied upon this region for refuelling before proceeding to their Siberian breeding grounds each year.
The South Korean government can find no use for the 'reclaimed' site but, despite this, there is no realistic chance of having the wall removed. The chances are good that some of the site can be returned to nature if the sluice gates on the wall are fully opened, permitting the reintroduction of a tidal flow. You can do so by visiting http://www.restoresaemangeum.com. To do nothing will only encourage continued reclamation activity on more sites along the South Korean coastline and beyond. This is part of a range of actions which are currently in train and which are aimed at restoring Saemangeum and discouraging further reclamations in the region. (Adapted from reports on Birding-Aus by Ricki Coughlan and others).
Greater protection for northern Victoria's indigenous grasslands
* Just heard from a reliable sources that the Federal Government has recognized the Northern Victorian Grasslands as a distinct habitat from the Southern Riverina Grasslands, and classified them as critically endangered. This probably means that Northern Victoria's grasslands will be now listed under the Commonwealth's EPBC legislation, and may possibly be given more research funds, care and protection. A DSE spokesperson reckons we still need to keep up the good work of seeking to preserve all the little remnants of native grassland around the area, and especially keeping local councils aware of their importance.
Indigenous grasslands at Terrick Terrick (K Stockwell)
Locusts: a more balanced view
* Eris O'Brien is concerned that an article about locusts in the previous Plains Wanderer (Number 42) may not reflect his 'balanced' view and has forwarded another article more clearly reflecting his views. Click here to read the clarification Eris has forwarded. Eris's clarification is published in the August newsletter (Number 43) which also features an article by Pam and John Land who are birding in northern Australia.</
