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WHY HAVE BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE
* Birds provide natural forms of pest control which are both continuous and free. * Birds eat huge quantities of insects. Some also eat rats, mice, rabbits and hares. They also clean up carrion which otherwise breeds blowflies. * Birds have a high aesthetic appeal to a broad cross-section of the community. * This aesthetic appeal can greatly add to the value of a property. * Rare or endangered species can provide a genetic pool for future research. On Friday, 11 April, 2003 Gary Cheers an avid bird watcher and ecologist gave a talk to members of the Donald and District Landcare Group on the bird survey he would be conducting around the Donald District begining on May 14th. Some of the information Gary collects includes habitat size and condition, number of hollows, what vegetation species are present, any threats, and most importantly the types and number of birds at each site. On September 12th, 2003 the Donald and District Landcare Group, Buloke Biolink and NCCMA Biodiversity Unit held the Donald Bird Survey Launch at the Jeffcott Hall. After a very pleasant evening field walk, Gary presented his survey findings. Although only a snapshot the results clearly indicated a decline in woodland species in our district. About 50 people attended the evening and stayed on to enjoy a campfire BBQ. |
