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Cowra Woodland Birds

Cowra Woodland Birds Program (CWBP), a series of projects aimed at helping to reverse the decline of woodland birds in the Cowra district, is now entering its 7th year. The projects are focused on scientific research and the management of birds in their woodland habitats. The CWBP was launched in July 2001 by members of Birds Australia Southern NSW & ACT Group and local landholders and land managers.

Ongoing Bird Surveys

Our main activity has been conducting regular quarterly bird surveys on about 60 sites in the shire. From the initial survey in May 2002 with 28 volunteers recording 122 species, we are up to 200 species and have had over 50 volunteer surveyors. A detailed statistical analysis of our database is in progress. Funded by the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority, it aims to detect trends in bird abundance and reporting rate over time . Trends in bird abundance and reporting rate in relation to survey site attributes and location will also be modelled and described, with emphasis on significant attributes that enhance the sites’ quality for a broader range of woodland birds, or particular species of conservation significance. Thus features of the environment important to woodland-dependent birds will be identified and this knowledge will form the basis of management recommendations and allow the Lachlan CMA and the CWBP to consider priorities for future biodiversity investment works.

During the last spring surveys, the Morongla Cemetery Conservation Area was launched with a site walk and afternoon tea organised by Toni McLeish of the Grassy Box Woodland Conservation Management Network. This is a small but significant remnant of grey box woodland with good understorey and one of our survey sites. Representatives of Cowra Council, Lachlan CMA, DECC, and a group of CWBP surveyors were present, as well as Morongla residents, many of whom have been working on getting this reserve fenced for the last 10 years.

Woodland Restoration

Three habitat restoration projects were completed in 2006 and involved fencing and planting of trees, shrubs and grasses by a large number of enthusiastic and energetic volunteers:

A joint project with the Cowra LGA (Shire) Council to restore white box woodland on the Cowra Common – funded by a National Heritage Trust Envirofund Grant.
A habitat protection and restoration project on 3 private properties funded by WWF Threatened Species Network Community Grant.
Further fencing and extensive planting was carried out at “Iambi” funded by the Lachlan CMA.

Objectives with these restoration projects are aimed at either expanding or enhancing the quality of current remnant habitat or providing connectivity between valuable remnants. However, the continuing drought in Cowra has meant severe losses in the plantings in spite of extra watering and mulching by several dedicated volunteers and committee members. No further restoration projects are currently planned.

The Birds in Backyards program will be launched in Cowra on 19 July 2008 in the Japanese Gardens.

Community Involvement

A Bird Routes of Cowra District brochure, funded by BASNA’s 2002 Twitchathon was produced in March 2005 with Cowra Visitors Centre providing layout design, available both at the Visitor Centre and from CWBP.

If you want to know more about the program, please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (02) 6342 9282 in Cowra or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it in Sydney.

The survey dates for 2008 are July 19/20 and October 18/19. If you are interested in becoming involved in the surveys, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on (02) 6253 0772.