Bird density and species richness in suburban Canberra

["tlann rail via Canberrabirds " <>]

The last issue of the Gang Gang newsletter asked "Why Higgins?" in reference to the unusual sighting of a Striped Honeyeater in my local suburb.  We took that question seriously and went looking for some research that might shed some light on what most of us already know from observation.  We found this Master's Thesis written by Munyenyembi F (1985) - Bird density and species richness in suburban Canberra, Australia: relationship with street vegetation, age of suburb and distance from bird source areas of native vegetation.

Right now, Higgins sits in a sweet spot.  The suburb is located next to source areas of native woodland, and itself has many remnant eucalypts, younger planted eucalyptus street trees, and patches of native understory.  However, like other suburbs established in the 1970s, retention of those vegetation characteristics is under threat from gentrification and renewal, as well as a planned major arterial road on the suburban edge that will cut the connection between Higgins and its native woodland sources.  Hence, the Conservation Council is sponsoring a petition to the developers requesting they stop the destruction of the trees on Drake Brockman Drive.  See here.

The striped honeyeater is still around.  I heard it two days ago in a  gorgeous remnant yellowbox in someone's backyard, close to the Brazel Street box gum grassy woodland.  I have also been hearing other species that I cannot identify.  Red-browed finches have been visiting my backyard too.  They like the late flowering wallaby grass.  It doesn't take much to make me excited.  :)

Regards.

Tracy.

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