NEWS

We're on the Project!!

28 March 2022

The Project promoted our efforts for Regent Honeyeaters, featuring our NSW Regent Honeyeater captive release program.

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Back in October 2021, we released 58 zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters into the spotted gum-ironbark of the Tomalpin Woodlands in NSW’s Lower Hunter Valley, on Wonnarua Country – as part of our ongoing work to save this Critically Endangered species from extinction.

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To find out more about this release, journalist (and Australian Backyard Bird Count Ambassador) Chris Bath visited the Tomalpin Woodlands, where she met with BirdLife Australia’s Woodland Birds Program Managers Dean Ingwersen and Mick Roderick and CEO of

Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tara Dever.

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Watch the story below to find out how the birds are doing now, and why these woodlands are so important and must be protected.

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Special thanks to Department of Planning and Environment, Taronga Zoo Sydney Conservation Society, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and other local stakeholders who helped make this release a reality.

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Check it out here! The Project Regent Honeyeater video 

Festival Date Announced
10-11 September 2022

We've had to reschedule the festival once again, but have planned it for Spring 2022, and we have our toes and fingers crossed!
#Savethedate, we look forward to seeing you in September!

Festival details: www.ourbushland.com

28 October 2021

HELP US MONITOR THESE RARE BIRDS! BE PART OF A SIGNIFICANT RECOVERY PROGRAM!

Following the release of 58 captive bred Regent Honeyeaters into the Lower Hunter valley earlier this week (see NEWS item below), we are calling for landholders or birdwatchers in the area to keep any eye out!

If you live in the area, help us locate any of these birds, that are likely to be seen feeding in eucalypt blossoms, bottlebrushes or on insects in the canopy in remnant vegetation on your land. Some may even come in for a dunk in your bird bath!

Each bird released  has been tagged distinctive set of colour bands on each leg (for identification). Several are fitted with transmitters, but is not always a guarantee that the experts can locate and track them. While the team are unable to take formal volunteers at this stage, you can still help:

We are calling for landholders to keep an eye out on your property, if you think you have sighted one (or more) of the released birds, or wild birds please:

• Make a record of the colour bands of each bird (both legs, top to bottom) /number of birds sighted (such as pairs)

• AND if you can, take a photo

• Note the specific location you saw them, and any behaviour (such as nesting!)

• Report it immediately to BirdLife on 1800 621 056 or email dean.ingwersen@birdlife.org.au

Not sure if it's a Regent Honeyeater?

This excellent identification guide provides all the answers on identification features, other look a like species, colour bands and reporting any sightings (at any time!).

https://www.birdlife.org.au/documents/WL-Regent_Honeyeater-identification-brochure.pdf

Thank you to several landholders with keen eyes, who have already sighted a number of the released birds, and reported them promptly to BirdLife Australia.

**Please remember to NOT ENTER/TRESPASS on any private property that you do not have permission to access.
Please keep to public places or your own property if you intend to actively look out for them.**​​

#savingourspecies #woodlandbirds @ourbushland www.ourbushland.com for more information on the important habitats in the Hunter.

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PICTURED: "Red-Metal / Red-Yellow" is how each bird is identified from their leg bands- this bird is one of the released birds now out and about in the region!
Photo's care of Mick Roderick, and Alex Pike (DPIE) courtesy of Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council.

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The NSW Regent Honeyeater Release is delivered by BirdLife Australia, Taronga Zoo Sydney Conservation Society Australia, and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. It forms part of the National Regent Honeyeater Recovery Plan implementation.

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Several other organisations have also contributed to the conservation of this important threatened species. This includes the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Commonwealth Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Local Land Services NSW.

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