Birds, Backyards and Binoculars

Residents of Toowoomba can be a part of an important project without leaving the comfort of their backyards. All they need is a backyard, reasonable eyesight or a pair of binoculars.

Birds, Backyards and Binoculars is a joint initiative of Toowoomba City Council, d Birds Australia Southern Queensland (BASQ) and the Toowoomba Bird Observers. Residents of all ages record details of birds on their property.

The project is not only providing useful data for Council planners and BASQ but is also being used as an educational tool to raise awareness of bio-diversity issues such as vegetation and habitat in the city as birds are important indicators of bio-diversity health.

The information can be used to monitor species in different areas of the city and track the spread or decline of species as vegetation changes take place. The project also provides a way to monitor both exotic and endemic pest species and use the information to educate residents on how to encourage native species and discourage pest species.

Residents wanting to become involved in the project should call Council’s Bushcare Officer Veronica Newbury on 4688 6572 during office hours. The record sheet for 2007-2008 is available as an Excel file.

For more information contact Nicci Thompson: 07 4634 3074