On Tuesday, October 20 the shire-wide webinar, which involved online participants in Yea, Alexandra and Kinglake, saw guest speaker Ron Litjens share practical information about the places birds call home and how people can help provide suitable habitats.
Mr Litjens, presenting From Twigs to Nest Boxes: The Amazing World of Bird Homes, spoke on the importance of tree hollows, with about 17 per cent of Australian bird species relying on hollows for nesting and shelter.
The presentation also explored the impact of the January bushfires on local birdlife.
More than half of old trees with hollows were destroyed, reducing nesting and shelter options for species that depend on them.
Many of these trees were along Murrindindi Shire’s roadsides and contained some of the last remaining sections of habitat.
Participants heard that nest boxes can provide additional habitat, learning some of the key things to consider when choosing or building one, including placement on the east side of trees to reduce heat, the size and location of the entrance hole, the amount of space inside, and ways to limit access to predators.
They also heard that nest boxes can attract some unexpected, yet welcome, residents.
While a box may be designed with a particular species in mind, it is not uncommon for other birds, or even possums, to take up residence.
Murrindindi Shire councillor Paul Hildebrand, council’s Sustainability and Assets Portfolio holder, said supporting birdlife could start close to home.
“Taking notice of the birds that visit our backyards is a great way to better understand the wildlife around us and the habitat it needs,” Cr Hildebrand said.
“Simple actions, from protecting existing habitat and planting local native species, to providing a suitable nest box, can help make our backyards more welcoming places for local wildlife.”
The event introduced participants to the Aussie Bird Count and its app, which allows people to record the birds they see and contribute their sightings to bird conservation efforts.
They also learned about Nest Box Tales, a website with information and resources about nest boxes.
For more information, visit nestboxtales.com
Residents interested in finding our more about how to obtain a nest box can contact Murrindindi Shire Council on 5772 0333.
