The translocation and release of the up to 12 birds will commence in late August with up to 4 birds in the first translocation. The Penguin Foundation is proud to have funded two aviaries for the bush stone-curlews, located at the Koala Conservation Reserve. The release will be undertaken by a technical team made up of Phillip Island Nature Parks' Senior Scientist, Dr Duncan Sutherland, PhD candidate, Paula Wasiak, Shoshana Rapley from the ANU who is a species specialist, and members of the Odonata Foundation team at Mt Rothwell.

In preparation, the birds will undergo health assessments where the team will measure body weight and condition, presence of external parasites, and a visual assessment of general health. While undertaking health assessments, the behaviour of each bird will be noted as an indicator of post-release success.

The pre-release health check will include collection of morphometric data (i.e. measurements for wing, tail, total head-bill, and tarsus). Each bird will be fitted with a GPS backpack which will help researchers to track and monitor the birds’ movements after release. If the first release is deemed successful, up to another 4 birds will be released approximately 7 days later and the final birds will be released a few days after that.

The selection of woodland sites considered for the initial release of up to 12 birds on Phillip Island (Millowl) considered the following factors:

• Suitable habitat including:
• Suitable canopy cover
• A mix of ground cover and fallen timber that provides cover but also allows birds to see potential predators approaching.
• Adequate food availability
• Existing predator control
• Sufficient distance from roads
• Accessibility to the research team

To learn more about bush stone-curlews go to A guide to bush stone-curlews (penguins.org.au)