Birds SA has concluded their autumn bird survey at Witchelina Nature Reserve, noting an abundance of certain species due to significant rainfall events since November 2021. Most notably, the team spotted the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, one of South Australia's rarest birds, at two different locations; these are only the third sightings on the reserve in recent years. The next bird survey at Witchelina is planned for October.

Our fabulous volunteer Coral Johnston was very excited to record flocks of Regent Parrots (Polytelis anthopeplus) at Murbpook Nature Reserve last week, counting at least 26! We have recorded a group of three Regent Parrots several times over the last year, and most recently in April, but never this many so it's great news!

This week a team conducted the 6-monthly bird survey at Witchelina Nature Reserve.  Given the significant rainfall both on Witchelina and across the north we thought we might find some interesting birds and this proved correct! In total nearly 90 bird species were recorded during the survey on the property; many more than for previous surveys conducted during drier times.

Isabelle Onley has recently published her PhD research on the vulnerable Greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor). Her original project was titled ‘Conservation genomics and adaptation of translocated Greater Stick Nest Rats under climate change’.

Hugo Hopton, CEO of Nature Foundation, has retired as of April 22, 2022, after over six years of service. During his tenure, Hugo was known for his work with communities and industries in various fields, including land conservation and water management, and for building relationships with stakeholders. The Nature Foundation community extends its best wishes to Hugo in his retirement.