Bird enthusiasts of all ages can sign up for a 15-minute ‘wren-watch’ at one of 50 survey areas in Royal Park – gathering data on sightings of the colourful bird via an app.
Information collected will enhance Council’s understanding of where the little birds prefer to live and forage in the Parkville area and inform strategic vegetation planning to improve the survival of local birdlife and the quality of habitat around the city.
The Superb Fairy-wren was voted Australian bird of the year in 2021. They are easily identified by their small, round body and long upright tail. Adult breeding males have bright blue and black plumage, while non-breeding adult males and females have greyish brown plumage.
Baseline surveys were completed over the last 12 months as part of the first phase of the study, which saw more than 100 small birds safely fitted with coloured leg bands in Royal Park – including 55 Superb Fairy-wrens. BirdLife Australia will continue to colour-band juvenile Superb Fairy-wrens in late Spring to Summer for further monitoring.
Habitat restoration works will also continue through Spring and over the coming years, with new plantings in and around Royal Park.
The citizen science project is being delivered by the City of Melbourne in partnership with BirdLife Australia, RMIT University and the University of Melbourne.
For more information or to get involved, visit the City of Melbourne website. Bird lovers can also connect with others and share their observations on the Superb City Wrens Facebook page.
Quotes attributable to Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
“The distinctive markings on the Superb Fairy-wren make them one of our most loved birds, and now we’re calling on Melburnians to help us learn more about this stunning species.”
“A little bird told me that fifteen minutes is all it takes to become a citizen scientist and certified wren-watcher. By joining us on the wren-watch, Melburnians can make a real contribution to improving the health and habitats of our local birdlife.”
“We can’t wait to see wren-watching take flight in Royal Park. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside and soak up the Spring sun with the family these school holidays.”
Quotes attributable to Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert
“Observations from wren-watchers in the community will help us understand where the Superb Fairy-wrens are living, and more importantly, where they’re not.”
“By working with Melburnians to identify these patterns, we hope to create even more environments where Fairy-wrens and other small birds can flourish and attract even more birdlife to Royal Park and surrounding areas.”
Quotes attributable to BirdLife Australia Research Ecologist Dr Kerryn Herman
"Colour-banding allows us to identify and monitor individual birds over time, helping us learn more about how Superb Fairy-wrens have adapted to urban spaces.”
“By learning more about our birdlife with the help of Melburnians, we can improve conservation outcomes for a broad range of bird species and ultimately, better connect our urban greenspaces to support diverse and thriving urban biodiversity.”
Quotes attributable to University of Melbourne Urban Ecologist, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences Dr Kylie Soanes
"Superb Fairy-wrens are a really lovely little bush bird, and they can do very well in cities, if we provide the right kind of habitat. We hope that this work leads to more Fairy-wrens in more places across the city.”
“This is a really exciting project because it shows the potential to bring together councils, communities and researchers to make a positive change for nature in our urban environments.”
Quotes attributable to RMIT University Urban Ecologist, Centre for Urban Research Dr Holly Kirk
"Commuting in cities can be as hard for birds as it is for people, especially for our smallest flying neighbours.”
“Understanding which conservation actions help Superb Fairy-wrens find food and safe places to rest is a great step towards making our cities more hospitable for lots of other species – bringing nature back for everyone to enjoy.”