2007 Swifts Across the Strait is the newsletter of the Swift Characteristics of Swift Parrot Recovery Program. The Swift Parrot is an endangered (Lathamus discolor) nesting habitat species endemic to South-East . Swift by Janneke Voogdt (Lathamus discolor) breed in I first walked up to the top of patterns of Blue Gums. Breeding and migrate to the Craigow Hill (Meehan Range) in habitat has been reduced considerably mainland feeding on wintering Tasmania’s southeast on a misty due to land clearance through flowering gum and lerp in areas and cool November morning. I still agriculture, forestry activities and of , , had a leftover jetlag and expected urban development. Habitat loss and South Australia and . summer to be hot in Australia. The fragmentation are seen as the main The then return to their vegetation was fascinating, the sounds threat to the Swift Parrot. breeding grounds in the Spring. and smells strange. Chattering Swift The full extent of their recorded Loss of hollows and high value food Parrots everywhere. range, from Tasmania to resources affect Swift Parrots directly, Queensland may be the Coming from northern Germany, while recruitment of hollow bearing longest of all migrating parrots I can say that seeing parrots in the trees is an important consideration for worldwide. The sporadic wild feels amazing. Being able to conservation in the future. Most of the population nests in a series of movement of the parrots means see rare and threatened parrots loose aggregations. The size of these that a large number of people nesting is dumbfounding. I came to nesting aggregations is most likely are needed to keep track of its Tasmania to collect data on the determined by the availability of distribution, and to collect habitat requirements of breeding potential nest trees and foraging information on the bird’s Swift Parrots for my final thesis in resources. My study investigated habitat requirements. Biology (german Diplomarbeit). nesting preferences of Swift Parrots This project would never have within known nesting aggregations by happened without the help and examining trees, tree hollows, Blue encouragement of Matt Webb and Gum flowering and topographic and Mark Holdsworth (Threatened Species other environmental variables. Section, Biodiversity Conservation The fieldwork was split into nest Branch, Department of Primary searches in the core breeding time Industries and Water in Hobart), Eric from November 2005 to mid-January Woehler (Chair of Birds Tasmania) 2006 and detailed investigations of and Professor Alastair Richardson three nesting areas from the end of (School of Zoology, University of February to May 2006. I sampled a Tasmania) - thank you. total of 104 quarter hectare sized plots After over-wintering on mainland on Craigow Hill, Roberts Hill (Bruny Australia, Swift Parrots migrate to Island) and in Fern Tree. These were Tasmania for breeding. Nesting composed of 52 nest plots and 52 distribution is determined by hollow- non-nest plots. The study revealed bearing trees and the availability of Swift Parrots in Tasmanian Blue Gum that Swift Parrots select eucalypts foraging resources. Breeding locations with multiple hollows, large trunk Photo: Aleks Terauds vary annually in response to flowering diameters and in noticeably advanced

contd. on page 2 contd. from page 1

stages of senescence. These trees are shortage of hollow-bearing trees most likely to provide suitable nest and hollows in the future. It may hollows. I also counted Blue Gum take 50-150 years before regrowth opercula on the ground as a measure forms hollows. of flowering intensity and distribution Many land uses do not offer time surrounding each area to gain a broad and space for the natural regeneration impression of the flowering patterns of hollows. A lack of hollows may surrounding nesting sites. Aggregated increase competition between nesting was associated with heavy hollow dependent species with Blue Gum flowering nearby. unforeseeable impacts. The study suggests that where Insufficient foraging habitat can foraging resources are abundant, limit densities of breeding birds, while hollow availability is the main factor a shortage of nest sites can have the influencing the Swift Parrot’s selection ‘Nest Tree’ by Janneke Voogdt same effect where food is abundant. of a nesting site or tree. Trees with Poor flowering on a local scale is numerous hollows are more likely to likely to result in low use of suitable provide a suitable hollow for the Swift tree hollows by Swift Parrots. Parrot than trees with less hollows. It Hollow abundance is positively is suggested that hollow supply Hollows are unlikely to be a limiting associated with tree diameter, age and attracts Swift Parrots and thus factor for Swift Parrot in large stands signs of senescence or dieback. influences nest occurrence and of old-growth . However, in Hollow-bearing trees used by distribution. The average number of highly fragmented and disturbed vertebrate fauna are usually not potential nest hollows suitable for areas a lack of hollows may limit younger than 120-180 years. Swift Parrots was 10 per nest tree. breeding densities when abundant The process of hollow formation is flowering is present. This is particularly Swift Parrots nest in dead or alive long and complex while clearing of relevant in years when there is only a trees and do not prefer a particular hollow bearing trees destroys hollows handful of locations where there is tree species for nesting. The frequency very quickly. Dead trees provide far heavy flowering. of nests in a given tree species at each more hollows than live trees but do site was more associated with the While loss of Swift Parrot habitat not remain standing. availability of this species in the has undoubtably affected Swift nesting habitat. Old-growth forest stands are rare in Parrot foraging areas, the influence the southeast of Tasmania. Maria on nest hollow availability may have Swift Parrots are more likely to nest in Island, Craigow Hill, Roberts Hill and been underestimated. areas supporting old-growth trees and parts of Fern Tree are mapped as old- abundant hollows. Nest trees I hope the findings of my study will growth forest. Breeding in a clumped investigated had an average DBH aid identification of Swift Parrot distribution may simply reflect the (diameter at breast height) of 111cm breeding habitat and increase distribution of hollow-bearing trees and were rarely below 60cm DBH. awareness of the need to manage across the landscape. Nest trees were also more likely to be tree hollows. showing signs of stress or senescence Past and current land use practices (dead limbs and branches). are likely to be responsible for a

Page 2 swifts across the strait • 2007 Exhibition Helen Fitzgerald has an exhibition: ‘Flowers, birds and landscapes’ which features the Swift Parrot amongst Swift Parrots other species. The exhibition opens from 1 April to 15th May 2007 at the Wood Works overheard overhead Gallery, Kings Hwy, Bungendore, NSW. Phone: (02) 6238 1682. By Alan Morris, 14th March 2006 For a preview of the show Hi Birders, Here at Murray Street the first of many birds to stay around please visit her website: Bateau Bay, my house is located in a for the next few months. www.helenfitzgerald.com group of streets that are lined with However this is an early date, they and or also have on the blocks, usually do not turn up at Bateau Bay very large Blackbutts (Eucalyptus until April. pilularis) and Coast Bloodwoods Funding (Corymbia gummifera) which are currently in flower. Opportunities This part of Bateau Bay is on a The WWF Threatened Species north facing slope which then rises Network Funds opened on April up into Wyrrabalong National Park, 2nd and will close on June 1st. where Blackbutts and Bloodwoods are the dominant trees but on the Information regarding TSN grants lower slopes of the hill, Swamp is available on the website: Mahoganys (Eucalyptus robustus) are http://wwf.org.au/ourwork/species/ also located. The latter species are tsngrants/ where applications may some time off flowering. be downloaded. Consequently we have hundreds of The Threatened Species Network Mugga Ironbark Flower Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets around Community Grants have been the house and throughout Bateau Photo: Debbie Saunders established to support and inspire Bay at present and the air is full of the community groups to work on sound of calling Lorikeets. the conservation and recovery of threatened species and ecological However at 6.20pm yesterday evening communities. The Grants fund (Monday 13/3/06), in the kitchen we projects that benefit species or heard flying low over the house the ecological communities that are unmistaken “clink, clink” call of the listed as threatened under the Swift Parrot, there appeared to be two Environmental Protection and birds. I rushed out but could not see Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). them, probably they kept going. Please contact Swift Parrot I have often wondered when there are Mainland Recovery Coordinator, many other lorikeets present, whether Belinda Cooke for assistance I would be able to recognise the call and support in applying for of the Swift Parrots amongst the din these grants. of the other lorikeets when they first Alternatively, please contact arrive! But there was no mistaking the the WWF TSN representative in Swift Parrot call after all. Mugga Ironbark your State. It remains to be seen whether this was Photo: Debbie Saunders an isolated visit, or whether these are

Page 3 Swift Parrot Recovery Team Datums – member profiles: explained My involvement in migratory Australian birds goes back to when I was studying Mapping and coordinate systems Science and became interested in bird are based on a datum, which is a banding and bird research. I followed mathematical surface that best fits this up with an honours project on the the shape of the Earth. Australia’s Regent Honeyeater. previous datum, the Australian I was active as a volunteer in some of Geodetic Datum (AGD) best the activities organised by the Regent fitted the shape of the Earth in the Honeyeater Recovery Team. My early Australian region only. The later involvement with the Regent AGD84 coordinates are based on the Belinda Cooke Honeyeater meant that I became same datum and is very similar. fascinated with migratory events and One of the first things I did as the recognised the importance of facilitating Since 2000 the Geocentric Datum new Swift Parrot Recovery Mainland and supporting volunteer involvement. of Australia (GDA94) has been used. Coordinator was to meet up with the I am looking forward to hearing from The main reason for this change rest of the recovery team. This meant a volunteers and getting in touch with is the widespread use of Global trip to Tasmania and a chance to view people across the region visited by Positioning Systems (GPS), which Swift Parrots in their breeding habitat Swift Parrots. are based on a geocentric datum on . We spotted several known as the World Geocentric birds, getting good views and hearing System 1984 (WGS84). For most their call. Needless to say I am very practical purposes, WGS84 and GDA happy to be starting this position. coordinates are the same. I have worked in different environments Most modern Australian maps will in the past including Samoa, Zimbabwe, be on the GDA94 datum although Papua New Guinea, Sydney and the many Australian topographic maps Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara are still on an old AGD66 datum. Lands in South Australia. I have been The difference between the older active in community involvement and Garry Cheers AGD66/84 and GDA94/WGS84 in education programs, in Zimbabwe I Garry Cheers is employed through the actual distance is approximately managed the Environmental Education Department of Sustainability and 250m. Therefore it is very important section of a Nature Reserve. Environment, Victoria and coordinates that you include the datum on I have also had experience in Swift Parrot recovery work from this record sheets. For observers who project management and working State. Garry has been busy monitoring don’t use a GPS it is fine to continue on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Swift Parrots in several sites across their marking down coordinates from Yankunytjatjara Lands. In this role I distribution in Victoria. Volunteers from a map, or providing a mud map facilitated traditional land practices and this State should contact Garry prior to or marking the location on a threatened species programs. I think the May survey to have a chat about photocopied street map. this work history indicates my interest which sites they intend to survey or to in learning more about the natural find out about areas that still need to world and in working in different be surveyed. environments, the most recent being Garry can be contacted by with DEC in Queanbeyan, NSW. phone: 03 5461 2970, or email: [email protected]

Page 4 Photo: Geoffrey Dab swifts across the strait • 2007 Draft Management Plan for Chiltern Parks Victoria has released the Draft Management Plan for the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park. Many of you would know Chiltern or plans may be purchased for If you want to find out more as a hotspot for Victorian Woodland $8.80 from: Parks Victoria information about this issue good bird species, including Swift Parrots Information Centre, Level 10, 535 contacts are: and Regent Honeyeaters. Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Martin O’Brien, Phone: 13 19 63. Chiltern is also known for threatened Wildlife Biologist - Threatened orchids (and other flora), rare and People are encouraged to Species & Communities Section, threatened reptiles, and amphibians. make comments on the plan, Department of Sustainability and One of the potentially impacting submissions are requested by Environment, 2/8 Nicholson St, actions outlined is the proposed Monday 28 May 2007. East Melbourne 3002, Victoria. introduction of prospecting in the Phone: (03) 9637 9869 These responses can be posted or north east section of the park. Email: Martin.O’[email protected] emailed to: Chief Ranger, Murray To view this plan and make up Central District, Parks Victoria, and the Friends of Chiltern your own mind about the PO Box 3100, VIC 3550 National Park through Neville management outlined visit: Phone: (03) 5430 4645, Bartlett (Secretary), 18 Barton Drive, http://www.parkweb.vic.gov. Email: ChilternPilotPlanSubmissions@ Baranduda 3691, http://home. au/1ministory.cfm?story=208 parks.vic.gov.au. iprimus.com.au/focbinp/. Habitat focus

Inland: Grey Box Coastal: Spotted Gum Tree species (Eucalyptus microcarpa) (Corymbia maculata) profile Found on the western slopes and Found from southern Queensland, plains of NSW, south-eastern south along the NSW coast and in Queensland, in central, western a section of eastern Victoria. (Information from Brooker. M., and and northern Victoria and in the Kleinig. D., 1993, Field Guide to Bark is smooth, cream coloured southern Flinders and Mount Lofty Eucalyptus: Volume 1 South-eastern bark flaking off in patches to reveal Ranges of South Australia. Reaches a Australia, Inkata Press, Melbourne.) dark grey colours. height of 25m. Tessellated grey rough Photos sourced from: Brooker and bark covers the trunk, branches are Flowers between May and Kleinig, 1993 smooth, leaves are alternate and a September, flowers are a white- dull green colour. Creamy yellow cream colour. flowers in February to August.

Page 5 Introduction: A total of 586 surveys were conducted, resulting in 582 birds spotted during the May survey and 428 spotted during Autumn. The numbers of volunteers who continued to look out for Swift Parrots during other times of the year Survey Round Up 2006 were also highly appreciated as their efforts resulted in a further 507 birds Yellow Box in drought. recorded. The 2006 Swift Parrot season Photo: Debbie Saunders saw some interesting changes in records and distribution. We would like to thank all the volunteers NSW/ACT 2007 Swift Parrot records, involved. The largest flocks sighted The highest numbers of Swift Parrots The first mainland records of the contained approximately 50 birds from in this region last year were sighted 2007 season were from Victoria in St Arnaud, Victoria. outside of the survey weekends. The Mornington Peninsula, Newham, South Coast and North Coast Melton, Bend of Islands, Newport Lakes Victoria recorded the highest Swift Parrot and in Muckleford from Debbie The majority of birds in 2006 were numbers. Resulting from the Worland who saw them on her sighted in Victoria, particularly in the observations of four volunteers in property. Thanks to Laurie O’Connor Bendigo and St Arnaud regions. One Nambucca (George Bedggood) and and Tom Fletcher for sending in record volunteer in particular, Anne Hughes, Stuarts Point (James Tedder) on the sheets and Steve Davidson and Debbie recorded many Swift Parrots last year. North Coast, and Moruya (Mike for contacting me. Recent records from Anne who is based near St Arnaud saw Crowley) and Merimbula (Chris Slade) NSW were from Cowan, Merimbula the birds from 27th March 2006 almost on the South Coast. and Coffs Harbour. Thanks to Neil every day until July 22nd, and then The overall higher numbers in these Hayes and Bob Allen for calling in with sighted another 2 more during the two areas were similar to the 2005 their sightings. August weekend count. During this results, but much higher than the I encourage other Swift Parrot time the birds were observed roosting 2004 results. Also similar were the observers who see these birds outside in River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) low numbers recorded on the Central the survey weekends to still fill in a and Grey Box (E. microcarpa) and Coast (none in 2006) despite a high form and send it on. foraging during the day. Anne observed amount of effort from knowledgeable the flock numbers to build up during birders in this area. Numbers of Survey info late May through to June, when flocks birds from the South-West Slopes Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater of approximately 50 birds were have dropped in the last couple of Record Sheets are available from observed; these numbers dropped off years, perhaps due to the drier the internet at: www.birdsaustralia. in July. weather; it will be interesting to see com.au/birds/downloads/swift_ Records from the Maryborough- what 2007 brings. regent_survey.pdf and Dunolly region significantly decreased www.threatenedspecies.environment. from 2005 when this region provided QLD / SA nsw.gov.au - follow the links to Swift the largest numbers in Victoria. There Despite searches from skilled Parrot (Lathamus discolor) was little coverage of the further volunteers in SA and QLD, no Swift If you wish to send in your completed Western and Eastern extremes of the Parrots were recorded during the survey form electronically please send Swift Parrots known over-wintering whole of 2006. The last records them to this email address: range in Victoria in 2006. Perhaps there received from QLD were in 2004 in the [email protected]. are some new volunteers, or ‘old’ Brisbane and Warwick areas. The last volunteers who may be keen to take a records for SA were in 2005 from In the subject field of the email please look at some sites in these areas in 2007? Millicent and Custon areas. write ‘Record Sheet’, thank you.

Page 6 swifts across the strait • 2007 A History of Sightings by George Bedggood 28th July 2006

Figure 1: Swift Parrot Recovery Program Volunteer While exploring the internet my wife obtained a copy of Survey Weekend Results 1995-2006 the Swift Parrot/ Regent Honeyeater Record Sheet for me. 1 I have been living at this address for 11 ⁄2 years and am a 2000 1400 1800 member of the Nambucca Valley Bird Watchers, BOCA 1200 1600 and have been involved in atlas records in Vic, NSW and 1400 1000 nationally. Close to my home I have an area of Gympie 1200 800 Messmate, planted for forestry purposes and it has been 1000 800 600 thinned twice in the eleven years I’ve been resident. 600 400 When it flowers, which seems to be erratic, it attracts the 400 Lorikeets and Honeyeaters in large numbers. I have been 200 200 0 0 monitoring the plantation and as yet have not seen Swift Parrots there yet. In the winter of 1996 there were claims SP had been seen north of Bellingen in an area known as the ‘Promised Land’ and also at Hungry Head. Although we promptly visited the sites we did not see any Swift Parrots. My first record for the Mid-north Coast was on 30th April 2003 Figure 2: Victorian Regional Swift Parrot Records at the Hastings Valley Motel, Port Macquarie when 10 2006 Volunteer surveys flew North with a group of Rainbow Lorikeets. On 20th 300 160 June 2005 five, perhaps six were in the Eucalyptus blossom with Scaly-breasted Lorikeets and a mix of Honeyeaters. 250 140 120 Rainfall in 2005 and 2006 has been sparse and erratic and 200 100 the Eucalyptus and paperbarks have flowered at unusual 150 80 times and more frequently and more profusely with a large

100 60 variety of Honeyeaters and also insect eaters especially Grey 40 Fantails and Pardalotes being common. 50 20 In 1961-2 I was teaching on the outskirts of Bendigo and 0 0 J.V Ryan, a past secretary of the Gould League lived nearby. He introduced me to SP along with such local gems as the two species of Heathwrens, Spotted Quail-thrush, Crested Bellbird, Black-eared Cuckoo and the Regent Honeyeater, which was a common bird of Bendigo street trees at that time. As well as bird-watching we shared many hours trout fishing and so I recorded SP at Harcourt, Castlemaine, Dunolly, Bridgewater, Maryborough, Heathcote and Figure 3: NSW/ACT Regional Swift Parrot Records Rushworth. Between 1965-76 I saw groups in areas across 2006 Volunteer surveys Victoria: East Gippsland, Strathbogie Ranges Epping, North Melbourne, Woori Yallock and South Gippsland. You might 40 160 care to comment on the next record: in Jan 1981, I saw four 35 140 flying North-west at Yarra Creek on King Island. 30 120 Editors Note: Swift Parrots have also been recorded from King 25 100 Island in March 1978 by Max McGarvie and in June 1979 (a 20 80 15 60 late straggler?). Records were of a group of 15-20 birds feeding 10 40 on E. globulus in 1978 and of a single bird flying overhead in 5 20 1979 (Brown 1989). Another record from March 1988 has 0 0 been noted from nearby Albatross Island of a group of 5-7 flying overhead in a general northerly direction. In ‘The Fauna of King Island’ edited by Richard Donaghey, the Swift parrot is mentioned as a “passage migrant”.

Page 7 Migration PhD Update By Debbie Saunders

I find bird migration incredibly fascinating with so many intriguing questions remaining Migrating Swift Parrots. unanswered. Photo: Nevil Lazarus

In particular we know very little Firstly, efforts to band and radio-track in demonstrating to the broader about migration in Australia despite migratory land birds in Australia community and policy makers the many of our bird species undertaking have revealed little on migratory importance of habitat conservation. large seasonal movements, including movements, due largely to the the swift parrot. How they know variable nature of habitat use which Working with national scale volunteer where there are good sources of food is dependant on highly variable data and distributing this information remains a mystery, and the paths they environmental conditions across a is a focus of my PhD research. take to get there are far from obvious. broad landscape. I am extremely grateful for all the Although we know swift parrots will Secondly, given the small size of many efforts of many people over the years arrive somewhere on the mainland land bird migrants, including the swift to establish such a valuable dataset. around March and are generally all parrot that weighs approximately 65g, I certainly miss the regular interactions back in Tasmania by November, current satellite tracking devices are with recovery program volunteers specific arrival and departure dates are just too big since they need to weigh across the country since finishing up far from clear. no more than 2g. in my coordinator role, however I As many recovery program survey Thirdly, there appears to be still feel inspired by the lasting legacy volunteers know, swift parrots will no noticeable mass migration of information we now have thanks often return to the same sites, and movements making the identification to the extensive volunteer efforts even the same trees in different years, of movement pathways and stop- which have enabled me to pursue my depending on the food available. over sites very difficult. However with research on migration. However, at other times they appear the fantastic long-term efforts of in places no one has ever recorded volunteers, we are now accumulating Photo: Nevil Lazarus them before – are they using new large numbers of valuable swift parrot areas or were we just not looking in and nil records. those areas in the past? This volunteer data is also helping Finding answers to such questions is us to identify key regions and fundamental to our understanding habitats throughout the species’ of many migrants. Yet most methods range and provides a focus for used to answer these questions in conservation efforts. To demonstrate various corners of the globe just don’t significant shifts within the species’ seem to work here in Australia. distribution remains a crucial step

Page 8 swifts across the strait • 2007

Bird Migration and the Swift Parrot By Belinda Cooke Ever wondered how the Swift their angle by using external references Parrot over the years. Migration up Parrot, and other migratory like the sun, stars and an internal the coast of Eastern Australia would magnetic compass. Orientation using have provided more resources and Australian birds know where sun and stellar cues must be learnt, been simpler when there was a large to go each year, or even when whereas the internal magnetic compass stretch of habitat reaching up the to start flying? is genetically inherited. Recent research coast a couple of hundred years ago, Migration is generally a defined has shown they detect the magnetic and even simpler about 10,000 years movement that occurs twice a year field through a particular pigment or ago when there was still a land bridge. between two locations. If migration light receptor in their eyes. This environment is still changing. Land clearing, fragmentation of the occurs twice annually, there must be Some migratory birds do not genetically landscape, creation of urban bushland something that tells the bird when inherit an angle but learn a map. gardens, increased amount of hazardous to start, how far to fly and when to Typically, the birds would learn this things to collide into while flying swiftly stop and return. This information is map within their first migration and and climate change continue to make partly ‘hard-wired’ into the birds, in its are able to recognise specific features migration increasingly difficult. genes, while some is learnt. Changes of their over-wintering ground and to the outside environment such as migratory route. It is possible that the Most research on avian movements changes in food availability, weather Swift Parrot, that shows yearly variation has been carried out on Northern and competition also provide cues to in the sites it visits on the mainland, Hemisphere nocturnal migrants. In the the birds. The ‘hard-wired’ information may use a mixture of compass ‘50s bizarre experiments such as moving controls migratory direction; changes orientation and map orientation. young birds miles away from their in behaviour; changes in body fat and Birds may rely on map orientation to usual breeding grounds to see where feeding; and the timing of breeding, remember and navigate to particular they turn up when they do migrate moult and migration. stands of forest in different years. revealed more information on just what cues birds are using to orientate their Nomadic species typically leave an area Birds can migrate during the day or migration. However, migration research when resources (such as food, water night or both. Day migrants typically does not need to be so disruptive to and space) become limited and stop rely on food sources that occur in the birds! The information collected moving when resource-rich areas are small patches. Many day migrants by Swift Parrot volunteers helps build reached. Migratory birds on the other search for food in flocks and gather at a picture of the movements of these hand have defined breeding and over- communal roost sites. These sites may birds. In the future the Swift Parrot wintering regions. This implies that they act as ‘information centres’ whereby Recovery Team hopes to work with must know how far to travel and which birds who have been successful in their scientists modelling climate change who direction to fly in. So, how do birds search for food the day before, leave will use these records. know which way to fly? the communal roost to return, allowing Many migratory birds are able to birds which have had less successful Photo: Aleks Terauds orientate themselves in a specific searches to ‘tag-on’. Flocking may direction. This orientation is genetically make it easier for birds to follow their inherited. These birds are known to migratory direction, find feeding sites, use ‘compass orientation’ and inherit and be less vulnerable to aggression and a specific angle. It has been shown in predation. The tinkling call of the Swift various European migrants that the Parrot which volunteers are familiar orientation angle can be changed or with helps the birds stay in contact even ‘bred-out’ of birds. However, while in a flock. migratory species still need a reference There have been some changes to point. Migratory birds are able to follow the migratory pathway of the Swift

Page 9 Monitoring of priority Swift Swift Parrot sites in Victoria Parrot By Garry Cheers In 2003 The Department of the Table 1: Regional distribution of foraging cards Environment and Heritage (DEH) sites and numbers of Swift Parrots recorded. formed an agreement with Bendigo Region May Aug available Mining Limited (BML). Garry Cheers, Total Total operating under Department of Maryborough-Dunolly 266 238 Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Janet Flinn - Swift Parrots and Castlemaine 0 0 is supported by BML to implement St. Arnaud 22 21 other Australian Birds in Original a survey program for identifying Rushworth 35 6 Paintings, Prints and Cards. Swift Parrot foraging habitat in the Bendigo 73 127 Phone: 03 9560 5003 Victorian Goldfields bio-region. The Heathcote 124 116 following are results of the BML Swift Email: [email protected] North-East 66 99 Parrot annual survey program of the Stawell 0 0 Web Site: 2006 survey season. Total 586 607 www.users.bigpond.com/jpflinn Surveys were conducted between 19-28/5 2006 and 30-7 & 10-8/2006, Table 2: Ecological Vegetation Classes at Swift Parrot foraging sites. $3.50 each including postage beginning half-an-hour after sun rise until half-an-hour before sun set. There May Aug Total are 40 sites in total which are surveyed Sites twice a year. Table one shows results Box-Ironbark Forest 27 31 58 summarised for each region. Grassy Woodland 7 8 15 In May Swift Parrots were recorded Heathy Dry Forest 1 2 3 foraging at 21 of the 40 priority sites Grassy Dry Forest 0 2 2 and at one other site in the study area. Alluvial Terraces 63 9 In August Swift Parrots were recorded Herb-rich Woodland foraging at 19 of the 40 priority sites and at three other sites in the study producing nectar. White box flowered area. Swift Parrots were recorded in earlier than usual and Swift Parrots six of the eight regions across the were seen taking advantage of this. study area. The highest numbers in In May there was good flower on both May and August were recorded Mugga Ironbark in the north-east in the Maryborough-Dunolly region. and Red Ironbark in the central and Swift Parrots were recorded in four western areas, but there was little Artist: Janet Flynn Ecological Vegetation Classes in May nectar being produced from either and five in August (table 2). The species. In August, Swift Parrots in the majority of sightings were in Box- Chiltern-Pilot National Park were seen Ironbark Forest, and from lower slopes feeding on small pockets of White or drainage lines. Box which had less flowering than While Swift Parrots were recorded the surrounding areas which were using trees from 10cm to >60cm controlled by large numbers of Noisy DBH, in most instances the foraging Friarbirds. Inter-species aggression trees used were the largest in the was recorded at four sites in May and site. Flowering abundance was also three sites in August. In all cases the recorded. Grey Box flowered well aggressors were Red Wattlebirds or although some early flowering wasn’t Noisy Friarbirds. Page 10 swifts across the strait • 2007 Calendar of Events Date Event Time Details Organisation Contact 27 April Swift Parrot and 10.00am Epsom Pottery, Hosted by North Enquires: Adrian Martins (North Central Regent Honeyeater - 4pm Bendigo, VIC Central CMA CMA), phone: 03 5440 1851; Workshop Peter Johnson (DSE), ph: 03 5430 4358. Bookings (essential): Rhonda Leed (North Central CMA), ph: 03 5448 7124 5/6 May Tree planting, NSW Capertee Valley, some Regent Honeyeater *Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: accommodation and Recovery Team David Geering camping 12-13 May World Migratory See www.worldmigratorybirdday.org for Bird Day details. Register on the site to plan an event 19/20 May Swift Parrot and Surveys on mainland Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team, (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) Survey Weekend Regent Honeyeater Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) Recovery Team Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: David Geering 30 May Swift Parrot and 10.00am Inverell, NSW Hosted by DEC and Enquires and Bookings (essential): Regent Honeyeater - 4pm Border Gwydir Rivers Kathleen Davies (DEC), ph: 0428 243 944, Workshop CMA [email protected] 3 July Swift Parrot and 10.00am Moruya, NSW Hosted by DEC Enquires and Bookings (essential): Regent Honeyeater - 4pm David Geering (Regent Honeyeater Recovery Workshop Team, DEC)* 4/5 Aug Swift Parrot and Surveys on mainland Swift Parrot *Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team, (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) Survey Weekend Regent Honeyeater Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) Recovery Team Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: David Geering 11/12 Aug Tree planting, Near Benalla, 2 1⁄2 Regent Honeyeater Ray Thomas 25/26 Aug Victoria hours from Melbourne, Recovery Team Phone: 03 5761 1515 free accommodation, Email: [email protected] 8/9 Sept BBQ and bushdance 22/23 Sept

Please start thinking about where you intend to survey during the 2007 survey weekends. Get in touch with the relevant coordinator to tell them where you are surveying or if you would like to have a new site recommended. Contact details: Swift Parrot Recovery Team: Regent Honeyeater Recovery Team: Belinda Cooke (for NSW, QLD, SA and for general enquires) David Geering Freecall: 1800 66 57 66 Phone: 02 6883 5335 Phone: 02 6298 9733 Freecall: 1800 621 056 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Garry Cheers (for surveys in VIC) Phone: 03 5461 2970 Email: [email protected]

Page 11 swifts across the strait • 2007 Wielangta – an overview Wielangta State Forest in Tasmania has been the focus of much current debate and a court case that is currently undergoing appeal. The case is based around three threatened species: Swift Parrots, who breed in the forest, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles and the Logging on Tasmania’s Bruny Island, another important area of Swift Parrot breeding Broad-toothed Stag Beetle. habitat under threat. Greens Senator Bob Brown made an application for an injunction to restrain “This is a watershed case for the Forest Agreement.” One of the notable Forestry Tasmania from logging in the nation’s rare and ... alterations is a particular clause in which Wielangta State Forest, using section The logging and burning of forest the State “agrees to protect priority 475 of the Environment Protection habitats is damaging to the creatures species” which will be changed to the and Biodiversity Conservation Act which depend on those habitats. The parties simply agreeing that the reserve 1999 (the EPBC Act). The EPBC Act is word ‘protect’ means ‘protect’, not log, and management system protects the Commonwealth’s major piece of cut-down or burn”. threatened species. Senator Bob Brown environmental protection legislation. has indicated that he will fight the The Premier of Tasmania, Paul Senator Brown’s case outlined that appeal against the Federal Court ruling. Lennon, stated that the decision could the EPBC Act states a person must not potentially adversely affect all of the For more facts about this case, please visit take an action that has, or will have, a state’s and agriculture. A view http://www.bobbrown.org.au/100_home. significant impact on a listed threatened echoed by the Managing Director of php, http://www.abc.net.au/news/ species included in the ‘endangered’ Forestry Tasmania, Bob Gordon and newsitems/200612/s1815817.htm category, without an approval from the Senator Eric Abetz (Australian Minister Commonwealth Environment Minister. for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation). Senator Brown claimed that the Please send all newsletter contributions and Mr Lennon called for the Prime Minister Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement Swift Parrot records to the Recovery Team: to intervene. On 9th February 2007, 1997 is not a RFA within the meaning Swift Parrot Recovery Coordinator, Forestry Tasmania announced their plan of the EPBC Act, that Forestry PO Box 2115 Queanbeyan, NSW 2620. to appeal. A joint statement released Tasmania’s operations in the Wielangta Freecall: 1800 66 57 66 by Malcolm Turnbull MP (Australian are likely to have a significant impact Email: [email protected] Minister for the Environment and Water on threatened species. Special thanks to the Murray Catchment Resources) and Senator Eric Abetz Management Authority (CMA) for sponsoring On 19th Dec 2006 the Federal Court announced that the Commonwealth the Swift Parrot Recovery Program for the ruled that Forestry Tasmania failed to would be intervening “in order to past 2 years. protect the three threatened species. clarify technical issues relating to the The Court found that Tasmania’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Newsletter editor – Belinda Cooke. Regional Forestry Agreement (RFA) does Conservation Act 1999.” This newsletter is printed on Australian not allow a blanket exemption from made, 100% recycled paper. On the 23rd February Prime Minister environmental requirements for forestry John Howard and Tasmanian Premier activities. Forestry Tasmania needs to Paul Lennon put forward their comply with obligations under the RFA amendments to the RFA. Senator Eric in order to get exemption from the Abetz expressed the view that these EPBC Act, and it was found that Forestry were minor alterations. Bob Brown Tasmania had not done enough under commented: “Mr Howard and Mr the RFA. An injunction was placed on Lennon say that, without change to Forestry Tasmania’s operations to cease logging impacts, they can stare down commercial forestry in the area. Bob this ruling by simply writing their Brown stated that: contrary opinion into the Regional