Birds of a feather in Geelong
THE world’s leading bird experts have flocked to Geelong for the 2017 Australasian Ornithological Conference.
For the first time ever, the think-tank is being hosted by Deakin University and will discuss everything from sustainability, behaviours and captive breeding programs for rare and exotic birds.
Conference convener professor Kate Buchanan said the event showcased exciting new developments in the study of birds across Australia and New Zealand.
“Researchers will present the latest research on such important threatened species as the iconic night parrot, long considered the Holy Grail for Australian birdwatchers, and a review of captive breeding and release programs in place for orange-bellied parrots,” she said.
“Beyond our coastal boundaries, the reasons underlying the spectacular decline in Australia’s migratory shorebirds will also be reviewed.”
A series of other topics will also be investigated, including why bird song has evolved, how desert birds find water and how global changes are affecting migratory behaviour.
“The program devotes an entire symposium to the management of threatened species, focusing on multiple species at both a local and national scale,” Prof Buchanan said.
The conference runs at Costa Hall at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront campus until Friday.
For the full program and more details, visit aoconference.org.