The Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot will soon seek new homes on private land that has been set aside to help conserve these nationally endangered native birds. 

In coming months, owners of private properties across North East Victoria will start to restore suitable habitat for these birds through such on-ground actions as planting suitable native canopy trees, controlling weeds and fencing suitable areas. 

The Bush for Birds project is supported by the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. 

Thirty-seven projects from over 90 applicants were selected for their quality and diversity by an evaluation panel, comprising members from North East CMA, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Trust for Nature, and The Regent Honeyeater Project. 

It is anticipated that the combined projects will result in 180 hectares of habitat protected under a Trust for Nature Covenant, 130 hectares of revegetation, 223 hectares managed for weed control, and 240 hectares of remnant native vegetation managed and protected. 

“Despite delays with the recent bushfires, we hope populations of these endangered birds will be boosted by the improved quality and extent of available habitat for years to come,” said Bush for Birds project manager, Mark Cairns. 

“The project will also roll out opportunities for incentive grants in coming months, as well as field days, workshops and events.” 

For further information on the Bush for Birds project, contact Mark at email  mark.cairns@necma.vic.gov.au  or mobile 0418 764 606, or Will Ford at Trust for Nature at willf@tfn.org.au. 

Bush for Birds website https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/Projects/Current-projects/Bush-for-Birds 

Photo credit: Dean Ingwersen