The preliminary estimate of the total number of bird species in the Hastings Macleay Key Biodiversity Area was 327 in 2018. 

Survey coordinator for the Birdwatchers, Ken Monson, said the area outnumbers Kakadu National Park, which is renowned for having over 280 species of birds. 

President of the group, Ted Giblin said while group members enjoy social outings to spot birds, there is a serious side of the group to help protect bird species from extinction. 

Ted said the region is suited to being complementary to many species of birds, because there are a variety of habitats. 

The group’s 110 members keep thorough records of bird sightings to ensure numbers can be monitored. 

Ted said it’s an ongoing effort to help protect bird habitat in the area. 

“Unfortunately we have lost a lot of habitat due to trees being knocked down in certain areas,” he said. 

“We want to help preserve areas of known habitat within the framework of urban development.”

Camden Head residents Peter West and Sue Proust regularly take part in national surveys of the critically endangered Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.

Sue said the Forest Redgum and Swamp Mahogany trees are really important to help maintain the population of the endangered Swift Parrot. 

She said some Forest Redgum trees pose a safety issue, due to branches which drop. They have been removed from some areas to address this. 

Members of the Hastings Birdwatchers are planning on working with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to plant more Forest Redgum trees in the future. 

Sue said the trees will be planted in areas where they will not pose a danger to people. 

“Unfortunately it will take about 100 years of growth for the trees to get to the stage where Swift Parrots can feed from them,” she said. 

Birdlife Australia estimates there are less than 400 Regent Honeyeaters and 2000 Swift Parrots left in the wild.

Sightings of the Swift Parrots have been recorded at Lake Cathie, Wauchope, King Creek, Dunbogan, Ellensborough and Port Macquarie.

The Regent Honeyeater has not been seen for the past two years. 

Ken’s grandson spotted a Regent Honeyeater at Lake Cathie. Ken said his grandson’s young eyes and sharp hearing has proven to be beneficial in sighting species. 

In 2017 one Birdwatchers member, Liam Murphy spotted a bird species which had never been seen in Australia before, the Aleutian Tern.

Liam saw about 14 of the very rare terns from Alaska at the Manning River entrance near Old Bar.

The group is open to all ages and new members. For more information, to share bird sighting information or to join please call Ken Monson on 0435 566 390.