Note: no RSVP required.

Talk:

Night Parrot

The Night Parrot

The Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is one of Australia’s most mysterious birds. Once thought extinct, Night Parrots were rediscovered in 2013, a century after the last sighting of a living individual.  it survives in remote arid regions, hiding among dense spinifex and emerging only at night. Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, it has become a symbol of both the fragility and resilience of Australia’s desert ecosystems.

Speaker: 

Ornithologist Neil Hamilton has graciously agreed to provide us with the latest information on this fascinating, enigmatic, and emblematic bird of the Australian outback.

For nearly 30 years, has devoted his career to caring for, studying, and protecting Australia’s unique birdlife and native fauna. His recent research has centred on the elusive Night Parrot, combining fieldwork, conservation, and habitat protection in some of the country’s most remote landscapes.

Before retiring, Neil spent over 25 years with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), focusing on feral animal management, wildlife trafficking prevention, and fire management. He also founded Ghost Bird Consultancy, inspired by his passion for preserving biodiversity and threatened species.

In addition to his government work, Neil spent 28 years in the zoo industry and has contributed to numerous wildlife programs across Australia and overseas, including captive breeding, translocation, and species recovery projects.

Neil has also worked as a guide with Coates Wildlife Tours, sharing his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for Australia’s wildlife (including Christmas Island and New Zealand)  and helping us/others appreciate natural world he has spent a lifetime studying.

Time: Please come at 7.15pm or earlier if you wish, for a 7.30pm start as we start promptly. We are open from 6.45pm. We finish formal proceedings no later than 9.30pm.

Donation: All this for only a donation of $3 per person for adult members ($0 for child members), and $5 per adult visitor and $1 per visiting child to help with the costs of running the club, venue hire, insurance and so on.  We do not have EFTPOS facilities yet.

Entrance: It is a condition of entry that everyone signs in on arrival, thank you.

Parking: Free parking right outside.

Wheelchair access: Everything is on one level.

Toilets: Are inside.

Bookings: No bookings required.

See you there for a fabulous night.