Hi All. I’m getting a bit concerned about the unfolding situation around the newly leaked Princess Parrot site west of Alice. The land where the birds are is aboriginal land- permits are required to access the area. I know most people will say they want to do the right thing but will that extend to a situation where doing the right thing will mean not getting anywhere near the birds? The Central Land Council have quoted me a minimum of one month to process permit applications for the sites- that is assuming traditional owners are amenable to permits being issued at all which is not a given by any means. In my experience such permits regularly take longer than predicted and refusals are not unknown. There are no short-cuts.The CLC are now aware of the many groups planning trips out here so anyone thinking of heading to the site ‘under the radar’ had better reconsider- chances are you will get busted. The fines for trespassing out there will be painful but there is also a bigger picture you should consider. A trespassing twitch event out here could do massive harm to the reputation of birders in the Red Centre. Access to wildlife sites can be very difficult for us locals as it is- I worry that trespassing birders in the coming weeks will lead to the reputation of birding being tarnished and local naturalists being denied access to country through no fault of our own. So, if you are coming out here please stick to the permit process. If you don’t get approval in time for your trip then consider visiting other sites such as AWC Newhaven or National Parks instead- conditions now are fantastic and Red Centre specials such as Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Slaty-back Thornbill and Grey Honeyeater are out in good numbers. Mark CarterAlice Springs
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I’d like to echo Paul’s comments. I have also applied for the correct permit online and also spoken in person with a lovely permits officer on the phone today. I explained our circumstances and apologised that we had initially planned to unwittingly do the wrong thing by just arriving and hoping to pick up a permit. She appreciated that we were trying to do the right thing and whilst couldn’t guarantee anything she is genuinely trying to do what she can to speed up the process. Just have to wait and see what happens now. I would also encourage everyone to simply give them a call and politely ask them to help you obtain the appropriate permit. The other groups i know of are all in the process of doing this. I’m also keen to see all those other species you mentioned Mark so any info you can pass on would be most appreciated!
Cheers Dave
Hi everyone,
Since I am a member of one of the groups heading to the Red Centre in the forthcoming weeks, I would like to state for the record that I have applied for all necessary permits and sought the requisite permission to enter the areas that he parrots have been seen most recently. I have personally spoken to the CLC and sent them detailed maps of where we intend travelling, the tracks that we intend taking and the dates that we intend travelling to the area. We have allowed sufficient time for the permit to be issued, assuming that it will be issued, based on direction from the CLC.
I should add that my wife, Ruth, and I have planned a visit to the Red Centre at this time for almost the past year. We originally has no intention of trying for the Princess Parrots until, by coincidence, they were reported so close to Kings Canyon. The fact that they are present and, with any luck, we’ll get a permit is simply a bonus for us.
The other birders that I have spoken to have all expressed their intention to apply for permits (or they have already applied). I strongly urge everyone travelling to the area to call the CLC and ask them which permit to apply for, and how to apply for it. Additionally, allow sufficient time for the permit to be issued.
Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria
I do understand Mark et al’s concerns about ensuring licensed access.
In addition to the potential trespassing and local people’s outrage ( don’t come into my yard without at least asking duh…) we’re setting ourselves up for a nice little piece in the media about birders ‘not caring other than for a tick’ John Mc Victor Harbor SA
Sent from my iPhone
On 10/08/2010, at 5:56 PM, “Mark Carter” wrote:
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Hi everyone,
Since I am a member of one of the groups heading to the Red Centre in the forthcoming weeks, I would like to state for the record that I have applied for all necessary permits and sought the requisite permission to enter the areas that he parrots have been seen most recently. I have personally spoken to the CLC and sent them detailed maps of where we intend travelling, the tracks that we intend taking and the dates that we intend travelling to the area. We have allowed sufficient time for the permit to be issued, assuming that it will be issued, based on direction from the CLC.
I should add that my wife, Ruth, and I have planned a visit to the Red Centre at this time for almost the past year. We originally has no intention of trying for the Princess Parrots until, by coincidence, they were reported so close to Kings Canyon. The fact that they are present and, with any luck, we’ll get a permit is simply a bonus for us.
The other birders that I have spoken to have all expressed their intention to apply for permits (or they have already applied). I strongly urge everyone travelling to the area to call the CLC and ask them which permit to apply for, and how to apply for it. Additionally, allow sufficient time for the permit to be issued.
Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria