This is a subject as recurrent as the movement of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters.
If a true refuge is contemplated, there is first a question of its area. The
potential area extends from the railway station and the causeway settlement to
Morshead Drive, and from the lake to Monaro Highway - all prime real estate.
As to screening and hides, I foresee extreme differences of opinion as to how
wide a berth to give the actual birds. The mildly interested observer is
unlikely to carry a telescope. My own view is that a high observation point on
the western side would be useful, even if it required a 'scope.
Prohibiting access to near the water's edge might satisfy some, but severe
regulation can be frustrating. How many recall Rusk's Lookout, the vantage
point within the well-known willow where, with a little fieldcraft, close views
could be obtained of the Pectoral Sandpiper and Little Stint, feeding
unconcernedly a few metres away? On the other hand, cyclists or walkers
exposing themselves (I intend the inoffensive usage) at 5 times that distance
can flush every waterbird at that end of the pond.
Incidentally on another divisive issue, I incline to the pro-cow school,
although it is unfortunate that their presence entails that nasty fence.
-----Original Message-----
From: Susanne Gardiner
Sent: Friday, 19 September 2008 8:36 AM
To: canberra birds
Subject: Protection of Kellys Swamp
Hi all
Last Tuesday I found a proper arrow (a la Bow and Arrow) which I took with me
as I thought a weapon like this (the tip is indeed very sharp) should not be
lying around where children roam. It was were a lot of the bunny holes are near
the Bittern hide and only an armlength off the path.
I made me wonder, who is shooting arrows and if that person was hunting rabbits
and/or birds?
I've been to several excursions to Birrigai/Jerrabombera with my children.
They usually eat at the log circle near the buildings.
Birrigai take them down to the grassy area in front of "Bittern" to play a game
about what Birds eat what and to have a better view of the habitat.
So maybe this is a point to take up with Birrigai, not the Teachers, who are
only followers in this exercise, but do keep children from straying from the
path, picking or breaking plants, keeping quiet as to not scare the birds etc.
The Game's materials and learning stations along the path are taken there by
truck driven along the walking path.
The Groups often do a water skimming exercise, getting invertebrae out of a
small section of water behind the buildings, across the paddocks. Some of the
invertebrae are taken up to the lab for examination under microscopes before
being returned to the waterway.
It may be debatable as to the impact on the whole wetlands. But I also feel,
that this is an important hands on learning exercise for the kids as a lot of
them walk away from there a lot more impressed and caring for the environment
they have just experienced.
Whether I missed the blackwing stilts due to the Preschoolers who passed
"Cygnus" half an hour before I got there.... who knows?
Cheers, Susanne
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