• Charles Sturt to co-host ‘Breakfast with the Birds’ in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University and members of the Australian National University’s Sustainable Farms are hosting a breakfast in Wagga Wagga for members of the public to learn about the conservation of woodland birds.

Sustainability at Charles Sturt and Sustainable Farms will host ‘Breakfast with the Birds’, a chance to learn about the region’s woodland birds and what can be done to conserve them.

ANU Sustainable Farms ecologist Ms Clare Crane will guide a morning walk around Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga and teach participants how to spot the birds by sight and by their calls.

Participants will also learn about where to find local bird species, how to increase bird diversity on farms and the benefits to bird life of revegetation and enhancing dams on farms.

Charles Sturt Sustainability Manager Mr Ed Maher said the event was a chance to familiarise yourself with your surroundings while learning how to save the environment and its wildlife.

“The Wagga Wagga region and surrounds is home to Box-Gum Grassy Woodland – a type of vegetation community that is under threat due to two-hundred years of land use changes,” he said.

“Through this event, participants will increase their understanding of the importance of remaining habitat and actions we can take on productive farms and public land to protect the plants and wildlife that calls it home”.

Sustainable Farms is a research and extension initiative of the Australian National University focused on how enhancing natural assets on farms (such as dams, shelterbelts and remnant woodlands) can support biodiversity, farm productivity and farmer mental health. Ms Clare Crane, who will lead the bird walk, is part of a team of regionally-based ecologists and outreach staff.

The event will be held on Tuesday 2 November from 7am to 9am.

Participants are to meet at Charles Sturt’s Waste Recovery Facility (off Agriculture Avenue, the first left after Starvation Lane).

The free event will conclude with a barbecue breakfast of bacon and eggs after the walk.

Participants are to bring a mask, water bottle and binoculars and wear a hat, long pants and enclosed footwear.

Registrations can be made on the Eventbrite website.

People are asked not to attend if feeling unwell, waiting on results of a COVID-19 test or if you have recently visited a COVID-19 hot spot.

Visitors to campus must also complete the Health Declaration Screening form prior to arrival.