Saturday 3rd March 2018

Bermagui Community Centre 9 Bunga Street Bermagui  

arrive by 10.30 am

Birds in the Bush Garden - Bill Martin

Our guest speaker at the March gathering will be Bill Martin, an experienced ornithologist, who will speak about his favourite topic – birds.Bill’s major focus this month will be attracting birds to your garden, the joy of birding and some common species that you may see in your garden. Bill may even touch on the controversial subject of whether or not to put out feed to attract them. 

Bill has a long background working with birds starting his working career with the CSIRO Division of Wildlife Research where he was involved in the study of the food requirements, breeding and speciation of some of Australia’s pigeons, waterfowl and  quail.

He was a national parks ranger in the ACT and Jervis Bay and also ran a private business conducting bird tours around Australia showing clients not just the countryside but also the wildlife and particularly how birds fitted into the ecosystem. Bill has observed and studied birds in all their forms as well as their behaviours. 

As an Environmental TAFE teacher, Bill shared his extensive knowledge with hundreds of students of all ages.

More recently, Bill has ‘retired’ to Dalmeny, which he uses as a base for forays into the bush where he continues his interest in birds and the environment in general. He has developed an interest in climate change (yes, we know the Government’s official line that there is no such thing) and how ecosystems and their wildlife are adapting. He may reinforce what Paul Hattersley (February speaker) had to say about the southward shifting of vegetation patterns and what that means for our birdlife. 

After the lunch adjournment, we will have a look at some local areas as Bill explains which of the types of plants found might offer advantages for birds.

All in all, it should be an interesting discussion.

                                                                                                                                                                        BYO morning tea and lunch.                                                                                                                      Wear sensible clothing and shoes for wandering around.

Note also that dogs are not permitted at APS activities.