They're back! I had 4 Swift Parrots fly through my backyard in
Aranda ACT this morning (7am)!!
I have been waiting patiently all winter/spring for them to turn up
in the flowering Mugga Ironbarks which line the whole length of
Mirning Cres. I found them foraging in the Mugga Ironbarks, being
harassed by Red Wattlebirds, but not bothered by Noisy Friarbirds
which at one point were almost sharing nectar from the same
flowers! They were calling loudly and flying around a lot, but
eventually (after an hour or so) sat loafing in the tree tops. I
wasn't sure if there was another small flock as well, but can confirm
at least 4 of them. They were calling so loudly that I suspect there
may be more of the around.
I just hope that the Peregrine Falcon I saw later in the day from the
same spot doesn't find them! However even if the peregrine doesn't
get them, they are in for a pretty tough ride when they get back to Tasmania.
As I write, there are large numbers of Swift Parrots preparing to
breed in Tasmania within their nesting habitat in the Wielangta
Forest on the east coast. However, this old growth nesting habitat
is about to be logged, most likely clearfelled.....within the next
few weeks. Despite current state and federal legislation that is
supposed to protect this endangered bird, and an ongoing recovery
program for the species, the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement
still allows essential breeding habitat in key breeding areas to be
cleared and converted to plantation! A letter from Birds Australia
and the National Swift Parrot Recovery Team to relevant politicians sums it up:
"We are of the opinion that current logging practices within the
Swift Parrot breeding range is unsustainable and is likely to have a
significant long-term impact on this endangered species.
The imminent logging of mature Swift Parrot nesting habitat within
Tasmania's timber production forests, where large proportions of the
population concentrate to breed, needs to be addressed
urgently. This includes, but is not limited to, the Wielangta and
the Southern Forests of Tasmania, where impending logging operations
are likely to result in both direct (death of parrots in nests) and
indirect impacts (loss of hollow-bearing and associated forage trees)
on the Swift Parrot population .
The single largest threat to the existence of the Swift Parrot in the
wild is the logging of nesting habitat in Tasmanian forests.
We therefore recommend the immediate implementation of a 5 year
moratorium on logging within Swift Parrot nesting habitat.
There has been a growing wealth of information on this species and
its habitats through the National Recovery Program (Draft National
Recovery Program for the Swift Parrot 2006-2010), including the
dynamic and concentrated nature of habitat use by this species (e.g.
DPIW (2008) Swift Parrot Breeding Season Survey Report). However,
our current knowledge is like the 'tip of the iceberg' and further
work is required for a more complete understanding of this species'
breeding habitat requirements.
Therefore, within the 5 year moratorium period, an annual Swift
Parrot population monitoring and breeding program needs to be
implemented (in accordance with the National Swift Parrot Recovery
Plan). This, together with existing information, would enable the
identification of key breeding areas, and provide a sound basis for
improved strategic planning in regard to both threatened species and
forestry management.
Once key Swift Parrot breeding areas are identified, notice needs to
be given under the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement that these
areas will be protected in perpetuity.
The endangered Swift Parrot population simply can not sustain current
levels of breeding habitat loss and is likely to become extinct
unless the above actions are implemented urgently."
PLEASE HELP: If birders (including those on birding-aus and cog
chatlines) want to continue to see Swift Parrots in the wild, they
can help make a difference by taking just a couple of minutes to send
a version of the above letter (with your own twist/interest would be
good) to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
(http://www.pm.gov.au/contact/index.cfm), Minister Peter Garrett
(http://www.petergarrett.com.au/8.aspx) and Tasmanian Premier David
Bartlett (http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/contact).
Thanks for making a difference, and enjoy the birds! (sorry for the
long email - can someone please forward this to Birding Aus too)
Debbie Saunders
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