Community invited to assist with the ANU’s Swift Parrot SOS Program

Swift Parrot

Community members are asked to help in the fight to save the critically endangered Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater by participating in local sighting and tree planting initiatives.

Central Coast Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said the Australian National University’s Swift Parrot SOS Program was an opportunity for locals to join a national conservation initiative.

“It is vital that we have the best understanding possible of Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater numbers and we can help with this important task by joining in the Spot a Swiftie, Report a Regent events.

“At the events, you’ll be taken on a guided bird walk by experts from BirdLife Australia, you’ll learn how to spot a Swiftie, record sightings and take home free trees at the end of the day.

“There are great apps that can be used to record sightings and there will be help on the day with that important part of the process,” Cox said.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said Council was thrilled to support this important ANU initiative.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to take direct action to protect the beautiful Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.

“This region provides important habitat for these critically endangered birds and I’d encourage as many locals as possible to help with counting and to take advantage of the expert advice and free trees on offer for habitat building,” Hart said.

Spot a Swiftie, Report a Regent Community Day will be held in Bateau Bay on June 26 and in Wyong on June 27.

Source:
Media Release, June 18
Central Coast Council