Geographic Range
BASNA covers the ACT and NSW south of a rough line from Port Macquarie on the east coast to Tamworth, down to Dubbo, through Nyngan, Cobar and Wilcannia before ending at Broken Hill on the western border. This large region contains diverse ecological habitats, from temperate rainforests on the east coast and Dividing Range, through drier eucalypt woodlands to the semi-arid rangelands in the west.
Latest News
Ian Hume, Chairman, reports: As activity at the new Birds Australia Discovery Centre
at Sydney Olympic Park picks up it is worth noting that seven projects are now
run from the Sydney Office of BA located next to the centre. These are: Birds
in Backyards, a joint project with the Australian Museum;
the Cowra Woodland Birds Program, now in its seventh year; the Regent
Honeyeater Recovery Project; the North Head Bird Survey; Engaging
Ethnic Communities in Urban Bird Conservation; the Port Botany Extension
Project, will be used toward a PhD by the Project
Officer, Hazel Watson; and Bird Surveys of the Botany Wetlands, funded by
Sydney Water, will monitor the utilisation of the largest
freshwater wetland in the Sydney basin by both resident and migratory water
birds. These projects, and our expanding role in joint education programs with
Sydney Olympic Park are helping to enhance BA’s visibility in
Sydney,
Australia’s
largest population centre.
Special Birds of the Region
The Rock Warbler is NSW's only endemic bird and can be found in the BASNA area, where the Hawkesbury sandstone and adjacent limestone provide overhangs for it to hang its nest from. The Regent Honeyeater used to be widespread and common across eastern Australia, but habitat clearance has led to its decline and current endangered status. Capertee Valley, three hours west of Sydney, is one of its last breeding strongholds. Other spectacular species you will find in the region are Superb Fairy-wren, Barking and Powerful Owls, and Bush Stone-curlew.
Projects in the Region We have several research and conservation projects operating, and we are very grateful to our many volunteers who make them possible.
The endangered Regent Honeyeater is the longest running project, and involves replanting in the Capertee Valley to assist this vulnerable species. After 16 years, the National Recovery Team is
overseeing a statistical analysis of survey results to assess the effectiveness
of the tree-planting efforts.
Cowra Woodland Birds, another long term project, is working in this region to aid avian species by replanting the local woodlands. Both of these also have regular surveys to establish the efficacy of the replantings, although the current drought has badly affected habitat and birds.
Birds in Backyards (BIBY) is a research and education program that focuses on birds that live in urban areas. A partnership between Birds Australia and the Australian Museum, it is another BASNA initiative. It has an internationally acclaimed website where you can 'find that bird' using an identification tool with over 360 species currently represented. The BIBY program is so successful it is being introduced to other regions across Australia. A development of this education theme is the establishment of the Birds Australia Discovery Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, which will be officially opened in May 2008 -- but we've already started the education programs that will be central to the Discovery Centre.
Engaging
Ethnic Communities in Urban Bird Conservation, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, this
project is developing workshops for multilingual educators, with very positive
reactions from several ethnic groups in Sydney.
North Head Bird Survey, data on bird
species and numbers will assist the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust as it plans
for vegetation rehabilitation on the former Artillery School site.
Conservation IssuesBASNA has an active conservation subcommittee which regularly provides advice and recommendations relating to bird conservation issues to government and non-government agencies. Some recent examples are reviewing environmental impact statements and environmental management plans, reviewing reports from other environmental groups, and investigating members' concerns on local bird conservation matters. BASNA has also instigated a number of projects aimed at bird conservation and knowledge.
ActivitiesWe run a Twitchathon, a 24-hour race to see who can see the most species and who can raise the most money. All funds are used for conservation of birds and their habitats or education initiatives to raise awareness of these issues.
The Birds Australia Discover Centre at Sydney Olympic Park is holding an increasing number of short courses and activities. See our projects section for several opportunities to volunteer for bird conservation.
What's OnFor a list of events in Southern NSW & ACT, please check out our calendar
ContactsPeter Marsh, Chair
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, Office Manager
Birds Australia Discovery Centre
Newington Armory
Building 133
1 Jamieson Street
Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Tel +61 2 9647 1033
Fax +61 2 9647 2030
Email:
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Publications
BASNA produce a quarterly regional newsletter entitled Bird Notes.
Regional Websitebasna.birdsaustralia.com.au |
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Rockwarbler in Royal NP © Nevil Lazarus

Parklands near the Discovery Centre © Jon Irvine

Bush Stone-curlew © Dean Ingwersen

Regent Honeyeater © Chris Tzaros

Superb Parrot © Chris Tzaros

Tawny Frogmouths in disguise © Jon Irvine

Galah lining its nest © Jon Irvine
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