Members of the East Gippsland Bird Observers Club volunteer to undertake surveys throughout our area for Little Tern, Hooded Plover, Swift Parrot and Orange-bellied Parrot. Some monitor White-bellied Sea-Eagle nests and are involved in the Eastern Bristlebird program.

Generally, the factors threatening the health and existence of our native birds can be found in the following list. Often more than one factor is at play when birds become threatened.

For more detailed information and a full listing of endangered and threatened birds go to:- www.birdsaustralia.com.au/threat

or visit the Department of Sustainability at www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse and click on plants and animals then follow links to threatened species.

Threats

• Predation by pet dogs, foxes and cats.
• Development, including the spread of urbanisation.
• Land clearance for agriculture and grazing that results in loss of native vegetation; increase of exotic grasses and plants; loss of tree hollows for nesting and fragmentation of bird habitat.
• Diversion of water for irrigation.
• Drainage of permanent wetlands/swamps.
• Salination of swamps.
• Overgrazing; trampling of wetland verges and streams and river banks by stock and damage to native vegetation by non-native / feral animals.
• Illegal egg collecting.
• Human disturbance which causes nest site destruction or desertion.
• Trampling of nests and eggs of ground nesting birds by humans and their dogs, especially on beaches.
• Use of off-road vehicles on beaches.
• Trapping and drowning by longline fishing.
• Poor Recreational Fishing habits that result in hooks and lines snagging native birds.
• Indiscriminate logging of old growth forests.

Many programs are already in place to protect endangered species and old growth forests.

How you can help?

• Take steps to ensure your cat is kept safe indoors, especially at night.
• Walk dogs on a leash and take note of any signs indicating the presence of nesting birds.
• Become involved in local rehab programs
• Join local Bird Observer's Club, Field Naturalist Club, Australian Plant Society, Little tern Task Force Inc or firriends groups to become more aware of endangered species and habitat rejuvenation programs.