Unusual sighting today

A lucky few wound up their bird survey today seeing a female Turquoise Parrot on the fringe of bushland and farmland in Yellingbo.

Not since November 1990 has a Turquoise Parrot been seen here. One very excited Ornithologist, who did his Masters on Turquoise Parrots in and around north-eastern Victoria, called this the sight of the day!

The Turquoise Parrot is considered vulnerable in New South Wales, and threatened in Victoria. Until the 1880's, the Turquoise Parrot was considered the most common species of parrot in Western Sydney. It was considered extinct in the wild by 1915. By the 1920's it was recovering. They had formerly been caught in large numbers for the cage bird industry, and were also shot for food, as a pie-filling.

It's a tough life being a beautiful bird. 

It may not be a great sign that a 'Turq' was seen today. They are found from south-eastern Queensland, through New South Wales to eastern and north-eastern Victoria. The range was formerly more extensive. They are generally resident in an area, but some local seasonal movement occurs. It's a very dry year over the Divide. Is this driving at least one Turq down south?

Just one more example of the benefit of wildlife refuges throughout the landscape.

Go to Birds in Backyards to find out more about this species

Breeding update

The last 2014-15 breeding season update was mid November. At the end of November we now know of:

• 20 breeding territories (16 last season)
• 27 fledglings (36 last season)
• 5 females on nestling/s
• 8 females on egg/s
• 3 females building nests

There are more Helmeted Honeyeaters at Yellingbo than at any time in the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Programs history (the Recovery Program began in 1989). How good is that?

Do you live in Melbourne, Victoria? Would you like to be part of the volunteer team that monitors the Helmeted Honeyeater populations at Yellingbo? Most volunteers contribute a minimum of 4-5 hrs one day a month. Our rosters operate 7 days p/wk, 365 days p/yr. Contact us for further details.

Honouring Ken Simpson

Ken Simpson

Memorial planting site - image B.Tardif

This morning over 30 people came together to remember the life of Ken Simpson.

800 habitat plants were planted in honour of Ken alongside the creek in Yellingbo NCR.

Ken was a passionate naturalist and a keen observer of birds and their habitat. He had a strong commitment to education and welcomed each opportunity to share his incredible knowledge.

Ken's memorial planting, incorporating a suite of plant species that Helmeted Honeyeaters require for ongoing survival, will be the backdrop for the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaters upcoming outdoor classroom space.

Vale Ken Simpson.

Where are the birds? Where could we release Helmeteds in the future?

These are just two of the aims for the upcoming Helmeted Honeyeater survey at Yellingbo NCR.

When? Sunday 30 November 2014

Can you help?

No prior experience required. Training provided on the day.

Click here for more details

Help us celebrate the life of Ken Simpson

Ken Simpson

Join us as we commemorate and celebrate the life and work of Ken Simpson with a special habitat restoration planting.

• Saturday 22 November 2014
• planting from 10am (continued after lunch if needed); lunch from 12.30pm 

NB. This event will be postponed if it is a day of high fire risk.
Venue: The depot, Shield Road (off Macclesfield Road), Yellingbo (Melways Map 305 Ref. F12)

BYO: salad or dessert to share, plus plates/cutlery/cups. We will provide a BBQ lunch of sausages and veggie burgers, plus tea/coffee.

Please RSVP by 14 November for catering purposes by email or phone (03) 5964 8341

Ken Simpson (29/8/38 - 9/7/14) was a distinguished ornithologist (bird specialist) and influenced so many people with his passion for the natural world. His enthusiasm for wildlife, birdlife in particular, was passed on to many. The Yarra Valley area was indeed fortunate to have Ken as the resident enthusiast ready to share his knowledge. The Friends were privileged to have Ken as their President in 2001. The 'birders' go to book 'Field Guide to the Birds of Australia' is a living testimony to Ken's knowledge, passion for birds and desire to share. Join us as we plant a living tribute to Ken alongside the Woori Yallock Creek. 800 Helmeted Honeyeater habitat plants will be planted.  

2014-15 breeding season update

Helmeted Honeyeater collecting nesting material - image B.Tardif

It's looking positive for the 2014-15 breeding season
Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is home to the last remaining wild population of Helmeted Honeyeaters - in the world! Each bird is precious.

In the 2013-14 breeding season (Aug'13-Feb'14), 36 Helmeted Honeyeater young were raised at Yellingbo. A bumper year!

The 2014-15 breeding season is heading the same way. At the beginning of November 2014 we know of:

• 26 fledglings
• 3 females on egg/s
• 1 female building nest
• 1 female on nestling/s

There are a number of new pairings this year, including females who are breeding for the first time. How good is that?

Do you live in Melbourne, Victoria? Would you like to be part of the volunteer team that monitors the Helmeted Honeyeater populations at Yellingbo? Most volunteers contribute a minimum of 4-5 hrs one day a month. Our rosters operate 7 days p/wk, 365 days p/yr. Contact us for further details.