An aggressive feral bird infesting Bendigo is being put on notice as plans form to combat a population “explosion”.
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Indian myna birds have become such problem in the region some areas support few other species, organisers of a community meeting say.
They want to form a Bendigo Indian myna action group to help combat the animal’s spread.
Woodvale’s Jenni Heinrich said she had become increasingly concerned about the birds after hearing more and more of their cries near her property.
“I had never noticed them in my area at all until the last six or eight months,” she said.
If Indian mynas are allowed to spread unchecked, other bird populations could plummet.
“They (Indian myna birds) will compete to the point where you just won’t hear rosellas or kookaburras around, anymore,” Mrs Heinrich said.
“That’s how invasive they are. They wipe out other birds.”
Indian myna birds battle other species for nesting space like tree hollows, Mrs Heinrich said. They evict smaller species or suffocate them by nesting above them.
They have even been known to stuff tree cavities with rubbish to prevent other species using them.
There is currently no coordinated plan to deal with Indian myna birds in Bendigo, Mrs Heinrich said.
The action group would likely start its work with information.
Longer term plans could include collecting data and starting a system for people to borrow traps specifically designed to outsmart the notoriously clever bird.
The traps are currently being made at the Men’s Shed in Long Gully.
The group might also spearhead efforts to have the birds removed from public spaces.
“It’s all very well controlling the birds in your backyard but the bottom line is that public spaces are really where the invasion is at its most intense,” Mrs Heinrich said.
The community meeting takes place at the Bendigo Sustainability Group’s office at 23 Somerville Street, Flora Hill on Tuesday 20 November from 7.30pm.
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
