Concerns for Australia’s migratory Swifts: For many years the observations of citizen scientists and birders have been compiled by Michael Tarburton, who would generously produce annual reports on each species, and occasionally write updates and other information summaries. This year Michael announced that he is no longer going to compile the data as the evidence he was seeking is now clear: both species are in serious decline.

On the 1st of August I suspect most of us wanted to stay home dry and warm: but instead, five of the faithful gathered at Hasties at 7:00 am to the sound of rain on the roof of the bird hide. There was a lovely misty feel to the day as well as rain. Photography was difficult because of the prevailing conditions at the time of our survey.

It was announced that another $250 million would be allocated to our Protected Areas to help reach the longer term target of 30% of our land and sea under protection by 2030. This is a laudable and essential step in trying to ensure most of our biodiversity might survive.