Orange-bellied Parrots are calling for Volunteers
NGT is helping to coordinate the Orange-bellied Parrot winter counts within Victoria’s south-west region again this year, with Nicole Mojonnier taking on the coordination role as part of her internship with Nature Glenelg Trust. NGT’s previous coordinator Lauren Kivisalu is currently on maternity leave.
Recovery and management plans for the Orange-bellied Parrot have been in place for more than 30 years. The data collected by volunteers, including both presence and absence data is of great importance when it comes to understanding the current state of the species. In 2010 it was predicted that the steep decline of the wild OBP population was likely to lead the species into extinction by 2013-2015 if no actions were taken, but the species is still hanging on thanks to the efforts of many people across Tasmania and the south-eastern Australian mainland. Find out more about the management plan for the OBP here.
Orange-bellied Parrots captured by Chris Tzaros
You can be part of this critical project
The information collected by volunteers during the winter surveys are a significant part of the ongoing conservation efforts and at the same time it is a great opportunity for participants to enjoy some spectacular coastal and wetland landscapes!
The three weekends nominated for this year’s OBP winter counts are:
- 20/21 May
- 22/23 July
- 9/10 September
The first count weekend is only a month away, so if you are interested in being involved, please contact Nicole with the following information as soon as possible;
- The date/s you can participate
- Whether you have volunteered before and which sites you are familiar with
- If you have appropriate survey gear such as binoculars/spotting scope
You will then receive further information including a volunteer registration form and survey form. The Birdlife Australia website has great information about OBP recovery including documents which step you through the winter counts, data sheet, and how to become familiar with OBP identification.
We are also planning an OBP information session and ID workshop to increase the confidence of new volunteers. It will also be a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and learn more about the importance of the winter counts, on how the collected data is utilised and to get current information on the recovery efforts of the species. Please let us know if you would like further information on this event.
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact Nicole on ph: 0414 778 309 or via email: . We look forward to hearing from you!
