Birds, as Alfred Hitchcock well knew, can be dangerous creatures. Take the Indian myna: an introduced species that spreads disease, threatens livestock, and drives out native wildlife. They are, one might say, far from a myna problem.
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Laura and Kevin Noble, from Clarence Valley Conversation in Action Landcare, will present their insights into how to effectively control the species on Saturday morning.
GLENRAC will host the free workshop at the Glen Innes Saleyards canteen.
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Indian mynas were introduced to Australia in 1863 to control insects in Melbourne market gardens. Since then, their population has grown exponentially; the species has established itself across eastern Australia, and spread to other parts of the country.
The easy adaptability of these aggressive, territorial, and opportunistic birds threatens native birds and other small Australian wildlife species, especially those resting in hollow dwellings where mynas nest.
Indian mynas also carry bird mites, and spread avian diseases such as psittacosis and salmonellosis.
They thrive in rural landscapes where habitat and food are readily available. In return, the messy birds foul on livestock, and contaminate feed bins.
Laura and Kevin will present an overview of their extensive research into Indian mynas. They will explain how to identify the Indian myna (commonly mistaken with the noisy myna, a native bird species); the impacts of Indian mynas on Australian birdlife, wildlife, and habitat; how to successfully and humanely trap and dispose of Indian mynas; and where to access more information.
All attendees will receive a free copy of the latest version of the Clarence Valley Conservation in Action Indian Myna Bird Project Handbook. Extra copies will be available at GLENRAC.
Attendees will be able to borrow a limited number of traps. These will be available at GLENRAC for future use afterwards.
This free workshop is funded by the NSW Department of Industries and Landcare NSW Program: Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Feral Fighters Program.
Control the Invasive Indian Myna Birds. Saturday, May 18, 9 - 11am. Glen Innes Saleyards Canteen, 36 Lang St, Glen Innes.
RSVP by 5pm, May 16, by phone: 02 6732 3443 or email to shelley.eglesfield@glenrac.org.au or drop in to the GLENRAC office at 68 Church St, Glen Innes.
