Princess Parrot Trips Wrap-up

Hi all,

Please see below a message from the Central Land Council with regards to the Princess Parrot west of Kings Canyon. ________________________

Princess Parrot Trips Wrap-up

A total of 24 birdwatchers took up the invitation by traditional owner Douglas Multa to visit the princess parrot breeding site in Central Australia during the past few weeks. Four one-day trips were undertaken to the site under the guidance of traditional owners and with logistical support from the Central Land Council (CLC).

The feedback received from those birders who took part was very positive; they were all delighted not just with seeing the parrots but with the entire experience as the following email from one of them clearly shows:

It was not just the spectacle of seeing the near mythical Princess Parrot, but rather the entire experience of being privileged to spend time in a remote and private place in an amazing season. Douglas and his family made us feel so welcome and we all especially enjoyed sitting down and sharing billy tea with him whilst listening to his wealth of information about his land. Unfortunately in this day we simply do not ever get that cross cultural chance – and it was memorable.

For the CLC staff involved it was both gratifying and a great relief to see birders and traditional owners interacting in such a positive way. Although our solution did not suit everyone, we are never the less pleased that something positive was able to be salvaged from what had become a difficult situation.

Unfortunately some high profile members of the birding community chose not to wait for this invitation and travelled to the breeding site even when they knew this to be illegal. This behaviour, which included resorting to subterfuge, has caused anxiety for Aboriginal custodians and land managers alike, all of whom have the welfare of the country and these rare birds at heart.

Despite the disrespectful behaviour of a small number of people, the princess parrot experience has been a positive one in that we have learnt a lot. We hope that the birding community has learnt as well and that birders now appreciate the role of the CLC and the need for permits when entering Aboriginal land. While I’m sure discussion on these topics will continue from time to time, it should at least now be better informed.

Finally, Douglas and Kathleen Multa have made clear their enthusiasm for this type of activity on their land. They enjoyed meeting birders and sharing knowledge with them and now plan to do something similar next year. Whether this is achievable is yet to be seen, but in an area where employment opportunities are almost as scarce as night parrots, it’s got to be worth a try. Of course, they won’t be relying on the princess parrot to reappear on cue, but there are other species of interest to birders there, as well as Indigenous culture and spectacular rock art sites, waterholes and some of the best scenery in the country.

Thank you to those birders who showed restraint earlier in the year, and to those who have assisted us in this endeavour.

Central Land Council __________________________

Cheers,

Tim Dolby

http://tim-dolby.blogspot.com/2010/10/alice-springs-2010-after-rains.html

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