No. 40
Upcoming Events: Birds of Perth exhibition at Atwell Arts; MBS Info Gazebo & Birdwatching Walk; Birds and Wellbeing Event; For Info: FoMBS World Migratory Bird Day, 10 May 2025; Point Waylen Revitalisation Project; Other
Hello everyone,
Time's flying! And we're more than halfway through the year. We're pleased to say that there are lots of positives happening at the Melville Bird Sanctuary. We’re aiming high with our 2025/26 Action Plan - more on that as the year progresses.
We'll lead off with upcoming events for you to note and hopefully attend:
1. There's a FREE Exhibition: Birds of Perth at City of Melville Atwell Arts which runs 5 – 13 July 2025, 10am to 4pm daily.
An Exhibition from artists Liz Bozsa and Mia Wang celebrates Perth’s adaptive birdlife and questions what more we can do in our urban environment to support our feathered friends for future generations to enjoy. Click link: Birds in Perth | Liz Bozsa and Mia Wang - City of Melville
Opening Night
Friday, 4 July 2025, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Live Black Cockatoo drawing workshop on Friday 11 July 1-4pm:
Meet and draw Rex, a Black Cockatoo visiting for the day from Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre!
2. MBS Information Kiosk & Birdwatching Walk, Sat 19th July, 8am -10.30am
Look for our Gazebo at the entrance to Troy Park (opp 194 Burke Dr, Attadale) for a meet and greet. Hope to see you there. We'll be hosting an hour-long Birdwatching Walk leaving at 8.15am. Now is a great time to birdwatch during their courting season. Alfred Cove is looking fabulous. This event will be held weather permitting.
We’ll be hosting a few Info kiosks in different parts of the MBS during the year 25/26.
3. Birds and Wellbeing event with Dr Rochelle Steven – Sat 16 Aug 2025, 2-4pm – proudly supported by City of Melville through grant funding.
Back by popular demand after a sell-out event in June last year, Dr Rochelle Steven will speak of growing evidence that birdwatching makes us healthier, happier and reduces stress. The event is being held at the City of Melville EcoHub, 555 Leach Highway, Winthrop. A catered afternoon tea is part of the event.
Please get your tickets at this link: Birds and Wellbeing Tickets, Sat 16/08/2025 at 2:00 pm | Eventbrite (NB: last year we had no place to accommodate last minute arrivals)
We look forward to your continuing support and seeing you at one or more of the above events.
For your information:
Our FoMBS’ World Migratory Bird Day event on 10 May 2025 at Point Walter Spit was well attended by community members as well as our Federal, State and Local Government representatives - Member for Tangney, Sam Lim, Member for Bicton Lisa O’Malley, Melville Mayor, Katy Mair, Deputy Mayor, Karen Wheatland, Bicton Ward Councillor Jane Edinger and Manager Natural Areas and Parks, Jeff Bird. Very pleased to have Birdlife, WA and WA Seabird Rescue teams alongside us. Our Birdwatching and Bird Photography Walks went well and the weather was beautiful.
Point Waylen Revitalisation Project
Please read Melville Bird Sanctuary news at this link Point Waylen Revitalisation Project - City of Melville This project has been made possible through the City of Melville, Dept of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the election funding commitments of our Federal Member for Tangney, Sam Lim, and our State Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley.
A fence has recently been erected along the western edge of Point Waylen to prevent bird disturbance from dogs as well as cars, motor bikes etc! There are gates for walkers to use (remember to close them behind you) and larger access gates for City and DBCA personnel. Community members are most welcome to walk peacefully at Point Waylen and enjoy the birdlife and beautiful scenery.
In the words of the City "Environmental restoration is coming to Point Waylen to create better habitat for birds in the Melville Bird Sanctuary".
Birdcounts and other activities
We join our partners the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG), for monthly bird counts in the Alfred Cove MBS East Region. We are continuing bi-monthly birdcounts in the Point Walter MBS West Region. We also attend MBS Quarterly Meetings with the City of Melville, DBCA and SERAG as part of the roll-out of the Melville Bird Sanctuary. And we're working together as a group of volunteers in line with our Action Plan 2025/26. We have recently updated our website and invite you to take a look www.melbirdsanc.com. We encourage regular reference to it.
Last week we experienced the sadness of 2 pelican fatalities at Point Waylen. Fox predation is suspected and that is being taken further with the City of Melville and DBCA.
We thank you for your continued support.
All the best,
Jenny Christenson & Tom Lubin
Co-founders: Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary
Donations may be made to our Westpac Bank Account. Details as follows:
Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary
BSB: 036-084
A/c: 494777
Contact Melville City Rangers
Business hours: 08 9364 0666 or 1300 635 845
After hours: 0418 943 219
Contact Wildcare Helpline (Parks & Wildlife - DBCA)
08 9474 9055