We have a nesting box
All eyes are on Winchelsea as we trial innovative ways to manage our Corella problem. Over the past few months you may have noticed some remedial work occurring to the trees by the Barwon River near the bridge, together with understory planting and weed control.
Last Wednesday Barwon Terrace was abuzz with a hive of activity all in the name of placing a nesting box atop a stone pine. It is hoped the nesting box, made by the Winchelsea Men’s Shed, will attract a pair of Peregrine Falcons to regularly use the nesting site as they hunt Corellas.
Leanne Rolfe, Ray King & Ray Atkinson with nesting box
The nesting box is now securely attached to the tree with its own balcony for the falcons to view their beautiful surrounds and even includes some safety mesh to catch any young chicks should they venture too far from their snug nesting box. The base of the box is lined with fine gravel for the Falcon to lay its eggs in, which also helps to keep the eggs warm when the Falcon goes off to hunt.
“It was exciting to see a bird of prey flying along the river and scaring a large flock of Corellas as the tree works were taking place. We are sure that it’s a sign of things to come!”said John Tebbutt, President of Growing Winchelsea.
The Trial in flight: long term collaborative corella deterrence strategy is supported by the Victorian Government through the Corella Management Grants Program 2024, as an implementation action of the Victoria Corella Strategy 2022-2032.
Last week Landscape Architect Pete Wilson visited Winchelsea to meet with representatives of the Project Steering Group to gain input into the Landscape Concept Plan for CWA Park and the highway avenue, where a mix of trees will eventually replace the existing Elms. Corellas like open space so this plan seeks to increase plantings while maintaining the space as a community park.
Leanne Rolfe, Biodiversity Officer, SCS, Graham Kenafacke, Growing Winchelsea, Naida Hutton, Winchelsea Arboretum Trail, John Knuckey, Corella Project Steering Group Member, Bree Lord, Senior Open Space Planner, Peter Wilson, Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect Pete Wilson visited Winchelsea to meet with representatives of the Project Steering Group to gain input into the Landscape Concept Plan for CWA Park and the highway avenue, where a mix of trees will eventually replace the existing Elms. Corellas like open space so this plan seeks to increase plantings while maintaining the space as a community park.
Corella management is a complex issue and many management strategies implemented by councils across eastern Australia have had limited effect. The most widely accepted and effective long-term strategy is to discourage the birds from establishing a permanent roost site during the summer months.
Changing the local environment, to reduce open spaces and increase lower level planting of trees and shrubs that provide a visual barrier from danger, makes the birds uncomfortable and unwilling to stay. Encouraging the presence of natural predators such as birds of prey will also create an unsafe area and deter birds from roosting.
Surf Coast Shire is trialling a long-term strategy of habitat reduction, modification and replacement, in line with council’s aspirations to protect the urban forest and habitat for the future.
“This project is a collaborative one – working with the local community – Growing Winchelsea, Winchelsea Arboretum Trail, Winchelsea Men’s Shed and Winchelsea Land & Rivercare – and the Shire’s open space and environment teams to renew, replace and modify the environment at a key roosting site along the Barwon River to deter roosting” continues John.
Funding of $45,375 was received with the project due to conclude 30 September 2025 however planting works will continue beyond this date. While the project is intended to benefit the community of Winchelsea, the research outcomes potentially will benefit people throughout Victoria and beyond.
“It is important we trial different approaches to managing corellas. Other towns are looking with interest at how we are tackling this issue. Over the coming months keep your eye out for a family of peregrine falcons who have also moved to our great community,&” concludes John