Rosella Feathers 3 Feb 2008

Birds Queensland Meeting 7:30 pm Thursday, 7 Feb. Guest speakers are BASQ members Bob Sutherst, Evan Cleland and Greg Ford. The topic is about stock routes as ‘Reserves for Travelling Stock and Biodiversity’. Visitors welcome. Location: Royal Geographical Society's’ Rooms at 237 Milton Road – just opposite the Milton train station. Parking available in nearby streets.

The Birds of Southern Queensland — research and conservation. This is the theme of the Annual Conference of Birds Australia Southern Queensland, to be held from 8:50 am to 5 pm Saturday 8 March 2008 at University of the Sunshine Coast, cnr Sippy Downs Drive and Stringybark Rd, Sippy Downs (UBD 78 M17).

Papers will be mainly about the birds of Southern Qld. The program will be published progressively on the website. An Atlas workshop will be run by Andrew Silcocks (Atlas Coordinator) assisted by Chris Sanderson (Atlassing in the Regions Project Coordinator). There will sections for beginners and advanced atlassers.) Birds Australia President Alison Russell-French, and CEO Graeme Hamilton will take part in the conference.

A program of bird outings is being arranged for Sunday 9 March, starting from the recommended accommodation at the Forest Glen Resort (Cabins, Caravans, Camping). Early bookings advised.

Registration forms available from the Secretary, or from the BASQ website Registrations are due by Feb 29.

The 4th Annual General Meeting of Birds Australia Southern Queensland, 4 pm Saturday 8 March 2008, University of the Sunshine Coast, Lecture Theatre 3 (LT3) in Building I (Faculty of Science, Health and Education).

Cravens Peak Reserve. A short report of the BASQ contribution to the Royal Queensland Geographical Society Scientific Study in April last year is available on the BASQ website.

Easter Campout. March 21 -24. Plans are being made for a bush camp at the Tandora Wetlands Nature Refuge for Easter. The Hervey Bay Bird Watchers are being invited to join us.
The Reserve is part of an 11,000 acre cattle property on the Mary River, near its mouth. The Refuge at 43ha is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Wide Bay Burnett. Surrounded by an endangered fringing community of casuarinas and melaleucas, the nature refuge provides suitable habitat for the vulnerable Glossy Black-cockatoo, the rare Grey Goshawk, Square-tailed Kite, Black-necked Stork and Black-chinned Honeyeater . Freshwater swamps are important fish breeding habitat and roosting sites for migratory birds. The nature refuge is adjacent to the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park and forms part of a State significant bioregional wildlife corridor.

Expression of interest to Ross Smith (3261 4647). Detailed arrangements will be sent to you as they are confirmed. The campsite is 2 km from the station access road on a farm track, accessible by conventional vehicles with care, if it does not rain.

Shorebird Conservation in Hervey Bay. Dr Tamara van Polanen Petel is seeking volunteers to assist her with field work on a project looking at various management techniques for shorebird conservation in the Hervey Bay region. Field work consists of
recording human activity in relation to temporary beach closure signs. Field dates are: 6th - 9th Feb; and 20th to the 23rd of Feb. Time of observation is between 7 am to 6 pm. For those enthusiastic people who would like to commit to 4 consecutive days and reside outside of the Hervey Bay region, food and accommodation will be provided. If you are interested, please contact Dr Tamara van Polanen Petel from the Centre for Environmental Management, Central Queensland University on 4970 7289 or email .

Classifieds:
Leon and Yvonne Taylor have Kowa TSN1 angled body scope with a 20-60 zoom plus a fixed 25x lens and weatherproof carrying case for sale. Ph 5494 4436 or email
Peter Royal has a brand new 750watt Honda generator for sale.Ph 4125 7178, email .

Grahame Rogers Secretary BASQ, PO Box 224, CROWS NEST, QLD 4355