Australian first as bird researchers flock to Bathurst

Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Bathurst Campus will host the first major scientific conference entirely devoted to the study of Australian birds when the inaugural Australian Ornithological Conference is held from 4 to 7 December. 

More than 200 professional bird researchers from around Australia, New Zealand and the world will be attending this event, which is also part of the centenary celebration of the Royal Australian Ornithologists’ Union – one of the oldest scientific societies in the country.

Co-convenor of the conference, CSU ornithologist Dr David Watson said until now, Australian bird researchers have never held a regular ornithological conference.

“We hope this will become a major regular event on the scientific calendar, as the main forum for presenting new research findings about Australian birds – their behaviour, ecology and habitat,” he said.

The depth of CSU’s expertise in ornithology will be showcased during the conference, with CSU lecturers presenting 12 papers.

CSU researchers, including Dr Watson, will speak on topics ranging from the effects of ecotourism on penguins to waterbird movements in central Australia, the effects of mistletoe on woodland birds and the distribution pattern of powerful owls.

More than 100 presentations will feature in the conference, with post-conference bird-watching tours enabling visitors to see native birds inhabiting the Central West.

One of Australia’s most respected ornithologists, Professor Allen Keast, will deliver the keynote address – Adaptation of birds to an arid continent – on the first morning of the conference, Wednesday 5 December.