Bird life
Chris Davey
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The proposed Murrumbidgee - Ginninderra Gorges National Park would be of enormous value to the conservation of birds in the local region. As the urban fringe within the ACT spreads ever closer to the riverine habitats provided by the Ginninderra Creek and the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo Rivers there is an urgent need to conserve habitats associates with the local river systems. |
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Canberra Ornithologists Group logo |
The Canberra Ornithologists Group (COG) is a volunteer-based community group with around 350 members whose mission includes the conservation of native birds and their habitats. COG plays an active role in advocating for the protection of native vegetation/bird habitats and for the mitigation of threats to and impacts on native birds. The COG area of interest not only includes the ACT but also the areas in NSW bounded by Yass and Goulburn to the north, Lake Bathurst to the east and Bredbo in the south.
The unique environment provided by the Ginninderra Falls and associated gorge and the riverine habitat within the Murrumbidgee corridor is home to a minimum of 178 bird species with the possible breeding by 127 of them. Eleven species listed as ‘Threatened’ or listed as ‘Species of Concern’ within NSW and the ACT will be found within the proposed area. Of particular importance would be the conservation of the rich raptor community, including wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons that will be severely affected if not destroyed by the proposed urban development within the Molonglo Valley, ACT.
Wedge tailed eagle
Bird watching and associated activities are now well recognised as a major tourist attraction as demonstrated by the ever increasing number of regional Bird Route brochures produced by local councils.
With its proximity to the large urban population of the ACT, the proposed area with its mix of unusual habitats would soon become a major tourist attraction for those interested in the regions flora and fauna.