When Rob Rowe spotted a striking regent honeyeater while walking through RSL Park in Corowa, he could hardly believe his eyes.
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The critically endangered species were once found as far north as Rockhampton, west to the Riverina region of New South Wales, and south to the suburbs of Melbourne. However, widespread clearance of their woodland habitat has seen their numbers decline. Now there are only believed to be just a few hundred mature birds left in the wild.
“Imagine my surprise walking home with the shopping and it nearly flew into me,” Rob said.
While many will know Rob as the head professional at the Corowa Golf Club, he has recently taken a keen interest in the feathered species.
“Birdwatching is an interest, I enjoy. I trail run over in Chiltern sometimes (pre border restrictions) and always hoped to spot a Regent over there as they are known to be in the area,” he said.
“This bird is critically endangered, so it was exciting to see a healthy one flying around in our area. I hope it finds itself a friend.”
In April 2017, 101 captive bred birds were released into Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park. Since then they have been sighted in various locations throughout North East Victoria and as far away as Gippsland.
The Chiltern area is home to key box and ironbark tree species and is considered a prime habitat for Regent Honeyeaters.
The Regent Honeyeater is listed as ‘Threatened’ under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act and is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the Commonwealth Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Any sightings of Regent Honeyeater’s should be reported to BirdLife Australia on 1800 621 056 or contact Glen Johnson at Glen.Johnson@delwp.vic.gov.au.
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