Mitta Valley Landcare organised a bird walk led by Ben Humphries from Birdlife Australia on May 2nd 2024 . This event aimed to enhance community knowledge and involvement in conserving woodland birds. Funding for this event was provided by a 2023 Landcare Victoria Grant.
Our First Stop was Hugh and Judy Giltrap’s Farm
Ben Humphries is the southern NSW Woodland Bird Project Coordinator and discussed the threats to woodland birds and the importance of identifying these birds and the resources they depend on. Ben also talked about the Birds on Farms Monitoring Program, which gets people excited about birds they have on their properties. This is 4 times a year commitment, for 20 minutes, on a 2-hectare area. Hughie then spoke to the group about creating his woodland along the Mitta River 20 years ago and how this initiative increased both the number of native birds and their varieties. Hughie passion for birds and the success of this initiative was both inspiring and motivating. We went on an Interactive Bird Walk along the River woodland, where despite strong wind and some group chatter, 8 different species were identified. It was a great way to bring people together in a fun, educational and inclusive way whilst connecting with nature and building community capacity.
Our second stop was Mill Park
Doris Razeng spoke to the group about the creation of the ‘Down Hill Bike Track’ at Mitta Mitta, and how the project had to adhere to high standards of conservation when creating the track. We then wandered around and observed and identified sixteen woodland bird species with help from Ben Humphries. We were now much more focused and excited birdos who asked, discussed, and learnt how to observe and identify woodland bird species, as well as learning about bird behavior, diet, and nesting habits. Seeing this special woodland by the river and how it has been recently enhanced, was exciting. The Mill Park is a great place to observe birds and take in nature.
Our third stop was the ‘Deep Gully’ Walking Track
Opposite the Mill Park site. The walk was led by Jo Otto whereby we observed 9 different bird species, with the highlight being the Wonga Pigeon. The day was concluded with a BBQ Lunch at Bharatralia Jungle Camp, hosted by Jo and Nancy Otto. Everyone relaxed and shared experiences in the sun on this beautiful autumn day.
Ben’s Post-Lunch Talk
Mentioned our birds’ needs for food and shelter just like human beings and therefore hoping to inspire us and for us to inspire the next generation to create, protect and enhance woodland habitat – be it on farm, conservation property or residential.
Thank you to our landholders, Judy and Hughie Giltrap and the Otto family for sharing your properties with us.
Recommended Resources (Recommended by Ben)
APPS
Merlin Bird ID App by Cornell Lab: Free on the app store. (Ben highly recommends this resource)
Morcombe’s Birds of Australia: $30.
Pizzey and Knight’s Birds of Australia: $50.
Books
The Australian Bird Guide: Revised Edition By Menkhorst, Rogers, Clarke, Davies, Marsack and Franklin
Field Guide to Birds of Australia- by Simpson and Day
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia – by Pizzey and Knight
