This starling alert for Broome might be of interest to some.
Peter Shute
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Lloyd, Sandra"
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Date: 12 July 2013 3:59:20 PM AEST
To: IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group
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Subject: [Aliens-L] Broome residents to be on the lookout for pest birds
(Western Australia)
Reply-To: "<>"
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Department of Agriculture and Food
Media Statement
3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151
Telephone: (+61 8) 9368 3333 Fax: (+61 8) 9474 2018
agric.wa.gov.au<http://agric.wa.gov.au>
12 July 2013
Broome residents to be on the lookout for pest birds
West Kimberley residents are reminded to report sightings of unusual birds
following the discovery of a starling 30km east of Broome.
Department of Agriculture and Food technical officer Roland Nicholls said a
member of the local bird watching group had reported a sighting of the pest
bird, which had subsequently been removed by a local landholder.
Mr Nicholls said starlings posed a threat to agriculture and the environment,
destroying crops, spreading disease and competing with native birds.
A starlings program is underway in the south of the state to prevent the
establishment of the birds flying in from South Australia but sightings of the
bird in the Kimberley are extremely rare.
Mr Nicholls said it was most likely the bird had flown in from a ship.
“We congratulate Kimberley Birdwatching for informing us of this sighting and
we ask residents to continue to be on the lookout for unusual birds which if
established, could become significant pests,” he said.
“It is particularly important for those working and living near ports to help
protect our native wildlife and agricultural industries from exotic pests by
quickly reporting any unusual birds.”
Effective removal can involve extensive surveillance and planning by department
officers, who also rely on cooperation from the community.
Starlings are black or grey in colour, about 21 cm long with fine pointed beaks
and short tails.
Any sightings of starlings or other unusual birds in the area should be
reported to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall
1800 084 881.
For more information pest birds, visit the department’s website
agric.wa.gov.au<http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/>
Picture caption: Residents in and around Broome are reminded to keep an eye out
for starlings and report any sightings immediately to the Department of
Agriculture and Food. PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Hails
This e-mail and files transmitted with it are privileged and confidential
information intended for the use of the addressee. The confidentiality and/or
privilege in this e-mail is not waived, lost or destroyed if it has been
transmitted to you in error. If you received this e-mail in error you must (a)
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sender; (c) please delete the original e-mail. Department of Agriculture and
Food WA
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