Mallee Fowl losing its fight
In this week’s local paper, The Murray Valley Standard, there was a disturbing article about the imminent demise of the endangered Mallee fowl, once a relatively common bird in our district. In over 25 years of intensive birding in the district I have only ever seen two birds, both together. While I’ve found about five nesting mounds, only two of them are still actively worked by the birds.
Local experts are predicting the complete local extinction of the species in my area within 5 years, a sad thing to contemplate. You can read the whole article, which includes photos, by clicking here. One of the most recently active nests at Ferries McDonald Conservation Park, is shown in the photo below. This park is a half hour drive from my home. While the bird is reasonably secure in some other parts of Australia, local extinction is a worrying trend and is being mirrored elsewhere, hence the endangered status of this amazing bird.
Related articles:
Over the years I have written several extensive articles about this bird:
- Mallee Fowl – the incubator bird
- Malleefowl painting – Pinnaroo Primary School
- Malleefowl mound at Tintinara
Malleefowl, Innes National Park Visitor Centre
Malleefowl nest, Ferries McDonald Conservation Park, South Australia
Call for ban on duck shooting
I try not to be too controversial or political on this site. My main purpose in writing this blog is to showcase the beauty and wonder of Australian birds, often through my photographs. This site is also filling an educational role in helping people to understand more about this country’s avifauna.
On special occasions I do make some controversial statements, like when I speak out about the damage domestic cats do to the Australian wildlife, including birds, mammals and reptiles.
Duck shooting
Another topic that can get me annoyed and angry is the matter of duck shooting. Here in Australia each state has its own regulations and laws concerning recreational shooting. I believe it is much tighter here than in other countries, including the United States where many of my readers reside. Shooters are far more actively into lobbying for their “rights” in other countries, but it concerns me that strong lobby groups are gaining momentum here in Australia. And they seem to have a growing political clout with the decision makers.
Conservation and birding groups have been trying to get recreational shooting – especially duck shooting – banned for some years. A newly elected government in the state of Victoria has been pressured into extending the hunting season, and increased the number of ducks that can be shot. I find it abhorrent that people take pleasure in killing wildlife in the name of “sport” or “fun”. We have severe penalties for harming almost all of our native species of birds and animals; why should ducks be any different?
You can read a passionate and informed article on the Birds Australia website here. It includes the email address of the premier of Victoria if you wish to complain.
Further reading:
- The problem with cats
- Birds and cats do not mix
- Why do baby birds disappear?
- Foul political decision is a lame duck – article on the Birds Australia site
Pacific Black Duck, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Now for a personal rant
Black Swan with cygnets, Canberra
WARNING: personal rant ahead.
Featured in our television news last night, and in our daily newspaper this morning, was news of a 19 year old jet ski rider on the Gold Coast in Queensland who deliberately ran over a Black Swan. Onlookers actually filmed him doing it and he has now been charged. He allegedly made three attempts before actually running over the bird. Although he didn’t kill the swan, it is feared that it might not survive.
My Opinion: ban all personal water craft
Personal water craft – often known by the brand name “Jet Ski” ® – should be banned in my opinion. Sure, most riders of these craft are responsible in the way in which they use them, and this one person’s actions are extreme and certainly not the norm.
I object to them on three environmental grounds:
- The noise pollution is unbearable. Not only does this highly annoy people, it has to be most distressing to wildlife, including birds.
- Water pollution: the machines are well known for their water polluting characteristics. The water ways of the world are polluted enough; to add to this pollution in the name of fun and recreation cannot be justified.
- Air pollution: it is a fact that two hours of operation of an early model personal water craft creates MORE air pollution than a late model car does driving over 200,000km. Granted, later model craft have seen some improvements in the amount of pollution created but the figures are still alarming.
I just can’t see why they are allowed at all.
My rant is over.
Now back to birding.
This post was updated on 5th November 2013.
Reporters chase a different kind of pollie
We are in the midst of an election campaign here in Australia. Politicians of all persuasions are being chased by reporters to get the latest breaking news.
In my home state this morning, reporters were chasing a different kind of pollie – an escaped parrot from Adelaide Zoo. A Blue and Gold Macaw escaped from the zoo and led the keepers on a chase through the parklands, with a string of reporters in their trail.
After a chase which kept reporters and zookeepers on their toes, an escaped macaw has been coaxed back into a cage in Adelaide.
The blue and gold macaw Tambo was getting some outdoor flight training at Adelaide Zoo on Wednesday when children frightened him and he flew off.
The two-year-old macaw faced attack from other birds in city trees which may have scared him even further afield.
Zoo bird keepers kept watch and called the bird as he took up roost in a 15-metre casuarina tree on the banks of the Torrens in the city.
To see photos, a video and to read the rest of the story click here.
Operation Magpie
No Comments »12th September, 2009; Category: Bird Behaviour, Birds in the News, Magpies and Currawongs
Australian Magpie
Most Australians would be able to identify an Australian Magpie.
They are one of the common birds found throughout Australia except for some extremely dry inland areas. They are quite at home in the school playground, our parks and especially our home gardens. This often brings them into conflict with humans, especially in the breeding season. Their aggressive tendencies to swoop and harass humans is well known.
A South Australian scientist, Professor Chris Daniels, in conjunction with ABC 891 Morning Radio, is conducting Operation Magpie in South Australia over the next few weeks. The project runs from 1st September to the 13th October 2009. It follows on from successful projects n previous years, Operation Bluetongue in 2007 and Operation Possum in 2008.
People throughout South Australia are asked to log on and register their interest online by filling in a survey sheet on the web page. This community based research project is an extremely valuable way of gathering more information and understanding of this popular and lovely species.
In addition to the survey sheets, the web page also includes five fact sheets about magpies as well as a classroom kit for teachers to use.
To participate go to the website here.
Australian Magpie