Birding in Maranoa Botanic Gardens

Calling all LGBTQIA+ bird enthusiasts and allies! Join a guided bird walk through Maranoa Gardens with urban ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey as part of the annual Aussie Bird Count.

• Explore the habitats available in the Gardens
• Learn more about the birds that live there
• Improve your bird identification skills
• Contribute to citizen science
• Stick around after the walk for a free cuppa and a chat
• Meet other LGBTQIA+ community members and allies
• Start a birding group!

About the speaker

Dr Jacinta Humphrey is an Urban Ecologist and Senior Research Fellow in the Interdisciplinary Conservation (ICON) Science Research Group, based in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) at the University of Melbourne. Her research is focused on documenting change in urban bird communities over time, understanding the drivers of species persistence and decline in cities, and finding novel solutions to better support native birds in our streets, parks, bushland reserves, schoolyards, golf courses and private gardens.

What to bring

• Binoculars if you have them
• Water bottle if you need one.

Where to meet

Enter via the Parring Road entry gate, off Whitehorse Road, and meet at the front administration office. This is approximately 100m down the path on the left-hand side.

Accessibility at this space

• Maranoa Gardens paths are wide, smooth and wheelchair accessible. 
• There are some minor inclines/declines
• There are 2 disability access toilets.

Please reach out to community [email protected] with any enquiries or accessibility requirements.

Bird flu

H5 bird flu has now been confirmed in wild birds along much of Victoria’s coastline and some inland locations. There have been no detections of bird flu in Boroondara, but if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife:

• avoid direct contact
• record the exact location and what you observed
• report it to Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

About this event

• This event is welcome to participants of all ages and levels of birdwatching experience. 
• Participants under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Please note, no dogs are allowed in the gardens.

This event is delivered in support of our Health and Wellbeing Commitment and work to improve mental wellbeing and social inclusion in our community. This is a safe and welcoming event open to LGTBQIA+ communities and allies.