Dear Birding Aus,
In response to David Stowe’s call for more information in regards to Ashwin Rudder’s posting “OBPs at Melaleuca” on the 8th, I can reassure everyone that there is a feed table at Melaleuca where the public and birders alike can still view OBPs. There are at least 21 individuals in the area and at least 8 of these are females. Our Wildcare, Friends of the Orange-bellied Parrot volunteers are busy recording colour bands and providing high quality seed to help boost breeding participation.
Ashwin is correct in saying that the feed table in front of the public observatory has been removed. This was done because of increased visitor disturbance at this site plus the propensity for Black Currawongs to loiter within the vicinity of the feed table in association with the garden/thick vegetation. Last year we witnessed some near misses on the OBPs. Other less mobile species, such as Beautiful Firetail, may not have been so lucky and it was imperative for us to move the table to a more favourable site (i.e. away from the high Currawong use area). The temporary public hide (a modified tent) and feed table is situated about 1km to the south of the airstrip.
Ashwin is also correct in his observations of Common Starlings. Starlings are thankfully uncommon at Melaleuca but often appear after fires in the area, probably because foraging is made easier in otherwise dense vegetation. There is 2-3 pairs have moved in to Melaleuca following local habitat management burns last April. Our department’s crack starling control team are programmed to remove these animals next week and we will monitor the situation over summer.
I’ve noticed during several trips to Melaleuca this year that there are more birders visiting the site – no doubt to see the species in case it disappears. Many people are also attempting to photograph the bird and some have been too intrusive – unnecessarily disturbing the birds at the feed table or chasing birds in native vegetation. Considering the precarious position that the species is in, it is vitally important that everyone takes care in approaching birds to minimise disturbance. Visitors are welcome to quietly view the birds at the feed table from the hide and allow the birds to do their own thing in native veg. With patience, excellent views can be had of this beautiful bird. We certainly do not want anyone to set up hides or climb trees. The pilots are familiar with the OBPs and our volunteer observers are happy to provide some advice.
Our work continues and I’m confident that we will have a successful breeding season this year. Anyone visiting Melaleuca to observe the OBP might like to consider donating to the Wildcare Save the Orange-bellied Parrot Fund (http://www.wildcaretas.org.au/donation). Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and all funds will be used to support recovery program.
Let’s hope we can enjoy the OBP in its wilderness home for many years to come.
Mark Holdsworth
Chair, Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team
phone Aus 03 62 336033 mobile Aus 0419 120 298 fax Aus 03 62 333477
134 Macquarie Street Hobart
GPO Box 44 Hobart Tasmania 7001
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