Cade Lucas
The timing couldn’t be much better.
Saturday is World Migratory Bird Day and one of the world’s rarest migratory birds has turned up at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee to mark the occasion.
Unlike many other species which travel across the globe to roost at the renowned bird haven,
the Orange-bellied Parrot has only crossed Bass Strait from Tasmania.
However, with fewer than 100 remaining in the wild, its appearance, particularly at this time of year, has thrilled Western Treatment Plant Conservation and Land Officer Cody McCormack.
“It is incredibly special to be visited by the Orange-bellied Parrot at this time of
year.
Unlike other places in Victoria they may visit, they will stay here for the
entire winter, before returning to south-west Tasmania in summer to breed,”
Mr McCormack said.
Classed as critically endangered, the Orange-bellied Parrot’s arrival ahead of World Migratory Bird Day is especially appropriate given this year’s theme: Water: Sustaining Bird Life.
The theme is to highlight the role aquatic ecosystems play is preserving bird life amid the growing threat of climate change and population growth.
Along with treating waste water from Melbourne’s kitchens, bathrooms laundries and toilets, Mr McCormack said conserving bird life was one of the plant’s key functions.
“We are one of the only wetlands in Australia which actively manages artificial ponds for migratory birds and other species,” Mr McCormack said.
For more information about bird watching at the Western Treatment Plant visit: melbournewater.com.au/services/licences-and-permits/birdwatching-access
More information about World Migratory Bird Day can be found at:
www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
