By Helen Meyer-Tinning
Melbourne’s west is lucky to have significant wetlands on the Port Phillip Bay coast between Point Cook and Williamstown. The wetlands are home to thousands of shorebirds that migrate from the northern hemisphere every year, as well as large numbers of Australian shorebirds, seabirds and other waterbirds.
From February to May you can discover the fascinating world of birds around Port Phillip Bay and the Altona region with skilled ornithologist Kevin Wood in a series of Masterclasses.
Kevin Wood is one of Australia’s foremost authorities on avifauna conservation in Port Phillip Bay. He has a long professional career in coastal, wetland and waterway management and has provided many years of voluntary service working with community groups monitoring bird populations in Port Phillip’s coastal wetlands. Kevin leads the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Cheetham and Altona Wetlands bird monitoring program for Birdlife Australia.
Dedicated and trained volunteers are needed to help identify and monitor bird activity. By taking part in this invaluable bird identification training, you can be part of important scientific data gathering. This will inform management authorities and enhance their ability to make sound decisions on habitat management and planning.
These sessions (including field trips) will be a unique opportunity to learn about this site of international significance and how to identify and protect the region’s threatened birds.
Cost: $50 for all classes (non-refundable)
When: 10am–12.30pm at the Altona Library on the following Saturdays: 22 Feb, 1 March, 15 March, 22 March, 29 March, 5 April, 12 April and 3 May.
