NEW GUIDE TO CANBERRA€S BIRDS

A guide to Canberra's birds which details the sightings of 232 species in and around Canberra's gardens was launched today by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope on behalf of the Canberra Ornithologists Group.

Birds of Canberra Gardens is the second publication by the Canberra Ornithologists Group based on sightings by its members and other interested locals over a 27-year period.

"Birds of Canberra Gardens is a bird-lover's guide to Canberra's bird species, their distribution and their abundance," Mr Stanhope said. "The book discusses when and where species are likely to be found and some tips on how people can make their gardens more attractive to native species.

"I congratulate the Canberra Ornithologists Group and its members for contributing to our understanding of Canberra's bird species and some of the rarer species that occasionally visit our region."

Mr Stanhope said the ACT Government had a strong record of protecting the habitats of native birds.

"The Government has created a 25-hectare wildlife sanctuary at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and protected important bird habitat at Goorooyaroo, Callum Brae and in central Molonglo.

"The predator-proof fence at the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary has allowed the reintroduction of Brown Treecreepers, a native bird last seen in Canberra's north in 2000.

"The Government has also established cat curfews in suburbs adjoining Mulligan's Flat and Goorooyaroo to protect native birds and animals that are vulnerable to cat attacks," he said.

Media Contact:

John Schalch
62058500
0434 667 317
john.schalch@act.gov.au

or

Jess Wurf
6205 0504
0411 772 700
jess.wurf@act.gov.au