Privet and Native Birds

["Peter A. Ekert" <>]

Privet and camphor laurel are generally described as invasive
'environmental' weeds.  Scientific research may suggest,  that these plant
species do not support a diversity of bird species.  In fact, I conducted a
study in 1997 and found that insectivorous species were generally absent
from pure privet stands.

However, to address the submission put forward by Joe Friend in the article,
there is certainly no scientific evidence to suggest that consumption of the
fruits by birds has led to sterility in those bird species.  In fact, as I
previously stated, it has led to an increase in numbers of fruit eating
birds, contrary to what was suggested in that article.

Incidentally, my 'Homebush role' is to monitor the bird populations at
Homebush Bay and provide management recommendations, not to monitor
introduced plants.

Peter Ekert