Paperbark Science Series

Join Canberra Birds Member Anthony Overs and BirdLife Australia’s Shirali Davé and Paul Russell for an engaging evening exploring woodland birds and the science behind their conservation. The talk will share insights from the Birds on Farms project and long-term Woodland Bird Monitoring Surveys. The second half will focus on woodland bird identification, with a special look at nocturnal species you might encounter at Mulligans Flat. Whether you’re a keen birder or simply curious about local wildlife, this session will offer practical tips, fascinating research findings, and plenty of opportunities for questions.

Birds on Farms, run by BirdLife Australia, is a citizen-science monitoring program assessing woodland bird communities in agricultural landscapes. Originally operating from 1995 - 1997, Birds on Farms was re-established in 2017, and more than 5,000 bird surveys have been conducted across south-eastern Australia. Using this data we can determine the habitat characteristics that are important to 14 different bird guilds (e.g. ground foragers, honeyeaters, hollow nesters) and we can look at the importance of revegetation for the woodland bird community. We will be presenting the results of the national program and provide information on what you can do to attract more birds to your property.  

Paul Russell has been the Project Officer for the ACT-Yass Birds on Farms  project since September 2023. He was born and raised in the ACT with strong connections to land, nature and community. His upbringing imbued him with a special love of Australian birds and their habitats, particularly those of the ACT region. After leaving school, he worked in farming, studied Agriculture and later graduated as a Social Ecologist and has worked in the community sector for over 25 years.  

Shirali Davé has been the Project Coordinator for the ACT-Yass Birds on Farms project since November 2024. Shirali is passionate about applied conservation, community engagement, and strengthening connections between people, wildlife and landscapes. She holds a Master of Environmental Management (Conservation Biology) from the University of Queensland and has eight years experience working in the environmental sector. Through programs such as Birds on Farms and long-term Woodland Bird Monitoring, she works closely with landholders to support practical conservation outcomes.

Anthony Overs has been a member of Canberra Birds since arriving in the ACT in 1994. He has served on the group's committee for many years and held positions such as field trips coordinator and editor of Canberra Bird Notes. Anthony enjoys teaching others about birds, particularly through leading field trips - he led 18 seabird trips, multiple local morning outings, assisted with nest workshops for eight years, and has led 'birding for beginners' outings several times a year for the last 20 years. Anthony was awarded the Steve Wilson Medal for 2023, in recognition of his outstanding individual contribution to Canberra Birds. We are very grateful to have Anthony joining us.

Wednesday 18th March, 2026

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm 

Cost: $10.00 per person

Location: 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby, ACT (Wildbark)

More Info:  Canberra Birds