Melbourne’s west is well known for its 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.
But local residents will soon have the chance to learn even more about these wetlands and the birds that call them home when ornithologist Kevin Wood runs a series of masterclasses throughout February and May.
One of Australia’s foremost authorities on bird conservation in Port Phillip Bay, Mr Wood will run in-person and in-depth masterclasses on birds in the inner-west coastal region over eight Saturday mornings from February 22 to May 3.
The masterclass series is being presented by the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre which was appointed guardian of the coastal wetland region by Birdlife Australia in 2020 and regularly monitors bird populations in the area.
The centre’s Heather Meyer-Tinning said Mr Wood was the ideal person to deliver the masterclasses which double as training sessions for the their volunteers.
“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,” said Ms Meyer-Tinning.
She said the masterclasses were vital in preserving the wetlands for future generations.
“This special area needs dedicated and trained volunteers to identify and monitor bird activity for ongoing conservation programs,” she said.
“By taking part in this invaluable bird identification training, you can be part of an important scientific bird monitoring program. This will provide a credible body of data to inform management authorities and enhance their ability to make sound decisions on habitat management and future planning initiatives.”
To book and for further information, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-altonas-coastal-wetlands-a-masterclass-with-kevin-wood-tickets-1076206876739?aff=oddtdtcreator
To read Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre’s recent health check report on bird populations in the wetlands, visit: hobsonsbaywetlandscentre.org.au/blog-2-1/hobsons-bay-bird-populations-decline-in-2024
The masterclasses are supported by the state government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund.
Cade Lucas.
