This event was organised by the Kosciuszko to Coast organisation. The day commenced with an informative talk by Damon Oliver, a Threatened Species expert from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Damon outlined the identifying features,  habitat requirements, and main threats to these birds.

Participants were then treated to an interactive 4WD bird watching tour and compentary, visiting a variety of habitat types on the property.

This property is particularly rich in birds due to its proximity to large areas of natural bushland including the Byadbo Wilderness Area and Snowy River.

As we toured around, Felicity Sturgiss (South East Local Land Services) used the property to illustrate how other landholders could enhance the habitat values on their properties for threatened birds. One of the actions highlighted was to create corridors through farm land to link up with patches of remnant bush in the landscape. This will allow birds to cross open areas and reoccupy areas of remaining bushland habitat.

Some of the habitat improvement measures include: leaving fallen timber; planting individual paddock trees or treed corridors;  creating stepping stones (small separated patches of plantings); fencing off riparian zones to exclude stock and reduce grazing pressure; planting shrubs to enhance mid story vegetation; and increasing size of existing small remnants.

The speakers noted that improving habitat for these threatened birds could be achieved without significant impact on normal farming activities.

Felicity advised how landholders can apply to the LLS for funding under the Saving our Scarlet Robin project to assist with the cost of implementing these actions.

The LLS has received this funding from the NSW Environmental Trust to undertake this important project and interested landholders can contact Felicity Sturgiss directly on  0427 072 763 or felicity.Sturgiss@lls.nsw.gov.au