Has all this frantic effort to render the hides ineffective had its source from the “open day” when novice and would-be bird watchers were asked for their expert opinion? I can only guess that this crazy idea comes from the same area that gave birth to the idea that jumping castles would enhance wildlife conservation.
If JWNR is to be primarily a public recreational area, then declare it as such, and forget about the birds. Or vice versa. The notion that such a small reserve can be both at the same time is naive in the extreme.
Margaret Leggoe
PS I carry a small lightweight torch in my bag to check for joe blakes on hot days. Not very difficult.
From: Geoffrey Dabb [
Sent: Saturday, 31 March 2012 1:21 PM
To:
Subject: FW: [canberrabirds] Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
Well, if it is open for discussion, I would be against any lightening at all. Birds are nervous about movement in hides. A well-lit hide is an oxymoron. Frequently, when trying to get a view or photo of a wary bird I stand well back in the hide, even using the partition for partial concealment. If the hides are going to be lightened, I would be inclined to take to the adjacent vegetation for more effective cover. Moreover, I think it will be a scandal if any money is spent on the hides before spending a modest amount on roosting logs - particularly as the hides will be facing a wall of cumbungi, unless something is done about THAT. What I am becoming increasingly curious about, in the absence of the long-awaited management plan, is whether there is any order of priority for these ‘improvements’.
From: Chris Davey [m("aapt.net.au","chris_davey");">]
Sent: Friday, 30 March 2012 7:37 PM
To: 'BirdlineACT'; 'Rosemary Blemings'
Cc: 'canberra birds'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
Hi,
Sorry about late reply to the email below but I have just returned from 2 weeks away.
The internal partition is to be removed but will be replaced with an external buffer. This will therefore prevent an silhouette problems and open the hides up. At present they are so dark and unfriendly that visitors are not keen to enter them. In addition it is hoped to put baffles under the benches to again bring in more light. The baffles will be designed so that the birds will not see any leg movements from the hides.
Chris
From: BirdlineACT m("gmail.com]","birdlineact");">[
Sent: Friday, 16 March 2012 7:59 PM
To: Rosemary Blemings
Cc: canberra birds
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
I was talking to the new ranger Michael earlier this week. One concern I have is that he is talking about taking the screening panels out of the hides, because some people don't like walking into a darkened hide. These panels play a very important role in ensuring birds aren't scared by the movement of people who have been silhouetted against the light from the back entrance. I would have assumed that was more important.
Alastair
BIRDLINE ACT
Please report all interesting sightings of birds in the ACT to
On 16/03/2012, at 5:44 PM, Rosemary Blemings wrote:
Have you seen this invitation?
Being involved could ensure that landcare work is done with the birds & nature in mind rather than the tidiness those who hold Parks & Conservation's purse-strings might want to impose.
It's a huge bonus that Michael is the ranger.
Rosemary
Date: 16 March 2012 10:00:42 AM AEDT
Subject: Jerra Wetlands Parkcare Group
Hello ParkCarers and Landcarers
Some of you may be interested in the ‘still forming’ ParkCare group for Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Below is an email from the new Ranger out there, Michael Maconachie, asking if you’d like to attend a meeting tomorrow. Short notice I know; maybe see you there.
Stromlo Depot 500 Cotter Rd
Thank you for expressing an interest in being involved in forming a Parkcare group for Jerrabomberra Wetlands. I would like to arrange an inaugural meeting to discuss how the group will function (when and how often it will meet), a volunteer to act as the groups co-ordinator and the development of a works program for the group. At this meeting we will introduce you to some of the members of the Jerrabomberra Board of Management so they can explain their role. We will also have a look at the Draft Master Plan for the future development for the Wetlands. We will also take a tour of the site to look at work the group can get involved in. Phil Selmes who works with assisting all the Parkcare Groups will also be in attendance. I have literally just started in the job so would like to have a couple of weeks to get to know the site better so I can be of more use for this first meeting.
The details of the first meeting are:
Date : Saturday March 17th
Location: Jerrabomberra Wetlands office – the old Birrigai centre at Jerra
Hopefully I will meet most of you then. Please RSVP – I will provide some morning tea. If you can’t make it but still wish to be involved let me know along with any comments eg you are never free on a Saturday etc so we can raise this in discussion on the day.
Parks and Conservation Service
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