It’s been a month or two since sowing and the rice is growing fast as it warms up. Endangered Australasian Bitterns (Botaurus poiciloptilus) have already begun returning. It’s time to keep our eyes and ears out.
As part of the Bitterns in Rice Project, we’re planning another big season of surveying. We’re aiming to get a more accurate idea of the significant numbers that use the rice, especially birds that are breeding. We’ll also be collecting habitat and managment data to further develop bittern-friendly rice-growing guidelines for interested farmers. Your sightings are valuable so please report them. You can do it online at Birdlife Australia’s Bitterns in Rice report form or contact Matt Herring on 0428 236 563 or email mherring@murraywildlife.com.au
_
