Hi Debbie, Laurie and Birding-ausers,
I have been running birdwatching tours in northern Vic for some 10 years now.
I average about 40 full days per year, of showing birdwatchers around the
state,so it is certainly only a part time enterprise, however I am showcasing
the natural wonders of Victoria to many people from around Australia and
overseas.
The exceptional wet summer we have experienced here in Victoria in 2010/11, has
been a boomtime for all wildlife, especially waterbirds that had declined to
very low numbers over the last 10 years or so. Prime conditions for many
waterbirds occur as the water levels in wetlands begin to settle and slowly
drop. This summer saw wetlands being continually topped up to very high levels
again and again. Conditions just began to stabilise later in the summer, and
many species were breeding at this time. Then of course the shooting season
began and the whole scene changed dramatically.
Having studied birds for much of my life, it is clear to me that the
commencement of shooting season strikes fear into every waterbird. Visiting
wetlands after the season has begun is a totally different experience.
All the waterbirds are extremely skittish, and hard to observe. Many have
moved on from more accessable sites, and duck species particularly seem to
start flocking for protection, and hence stop their breeding cycle.
I find it extremely sad that I feel I have to stop promoting the wonderful
wetlands to potential visitors to the region, because I know that the peace and
tranquility of our stunning wetlands has been completely destroyed. I believe
that there are many many more people who enjoy our wild wetlands for the sense
of wonderment, peace, and enjoyment,than there are people who like to shoot
birds.
I will not take visiting birdwatchers to wetlands in Victoria during shooting
season because I know that the experience will be tainted. To me this is an
absolute embarassment, particularly as Australia has a green image
overseas.Most European countries are decades ahead of Australia when it comes
to conserving their wildlife, It wont be until late winter/early spring that I
will seriously think about taking visiting birdwatchers to our beautiful
wetlands again.
Sincerely,
Simon Starr,
Firetail Birdwatching Tours
Pyramid Hill,
Northern Victoria,
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