Rosella Feathers 27 Mar 2008

Its not too late for Monto. BASQ will conduct its second round of NRM surveys in the Monto area starting early on 4 April and finishing on 7 April. We will be based at the Monto Caravan Park 4166 1492 on the nights of 3 and 4 April, and will camp on the nights of 5 and 6 April. Most surveys are on private property so this is a great opportunity to enjoy the birds in varied habitats in places you would probably not go otherwise. Contact Margaret Cameron (07 3282 9151).

May 3-5 Campout in the Brisbane area, for the Brisbane City Council Land for Wildlife surveys in the early morning, followed by some relaxed visits to good birding areas. Leader Dez Wells ( 07 3886 8055).

June 7-9. Campout based at Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park Phone: 07 4664 7151.

Leader Ray Licence 07 4661 5229. On Saturday there will be early morning visit to Mt Wilson area, to locate calling Albert's Lyrebirds. and then birding around the White Swamp in NSW. On Sunday, early search of the Gambubal Forest for lyrebirds, and a visit to Arborlee for birding and lunch. (B&B accommodation is available at Arborlee.) The rest of the weekend is free.

The Stock Route Coalition exists to have Stock Routes declared ‘Protected Corridors for Travelling Stock and Biodiversity’, managed by the current managers and adequately resourced with supplements from public funds. It currently consists of Birds Queensland, Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld, Drovers and Stock Routes Association, National Parks Association of Qld, the Queensland Conservation Council and BASQ. BrisBOCA and BOCA have indicated interest, and many other organisations are being invited to join. If you know of any organisation who should be invited, please let us know.

Many stock routes provide habitat for flora and fauna absent from surrounding areas. In many places they are the only source of connectivity in the landscape. This connectivity will be of importance for species adversely affected by climate change. Up to now, the managers of the stock routes have maintained their grazing value, and incidentally their biodiversity values. A small extra investment will enhance the latter. For more information: www.basq.org.au

Wanted photos of Stock Routes and/or birds on stock routes. As part of the campaign, we will probably print a postcard. Do you have a photo we could use showing the vegetation on a stock route in comparison with the desolated paddock beside it; a photo of a Regent Honeyeater or other iconic bird nesting on a stock route; a mob of cattle being driven into the sunset; etc, etc, etc.....

Wanted photos of birds in odd situations, to replace the Rosella on the home page of the website.

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Conservancy. BASQ has become a partner is this activity, See their website for how to report sightings. One day training workshops will be held in May at various locations. The Workshops will consist of both a theory and a field component focusing on:
· ecology of glossy black cockatoos
· species identification (glossy black cockatoos and of favoured food trees)
· identification of other evidence of glossy black cockatoo presence
· management implications/recommendations
· standard survey techniques.

Moreton Bay's endangered sea turtles and dugongs. Although the petition is closed there are still opportunities to show your support.

A Green Future? Biodiversity under Climate Change. Theca Forum 12 April 2008 8.30 am – 4.00 pm. For more information.

What a little bird told us. The story of the Carolina Parakeet - a parable on the relationship of man and nature.

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