The birds of Albert Park have been the subject of daily observation and detailed record keeping for 15 years by Ms Mary Ellen Talmage member of the Victorian Ornigraphical Research Group and recognised authority on ravens in the park. Her work is recognised in Melbourne Parks & Waterways Draft Strategy Plan (Dec.1993) and Master Plan (Nov. 1994) which both use her census figures of birds observed in the park.
Since a weekly census of the prolific birdlife of Albert Park Reserve was undertaken by Ms Talmage in 1979, 129 species have been recorded ranging from Honeyeaters and Red-Capped Robins to much larger birds such as Sea Eagles, Kingfishers and Peregrine Falcons. Of the 129 at least 50 were seasonal residents on their way to other breeding grounds or food supplies, and 33 were actually using the park as a breeding ground.
When Albert Park lake was drained by Melbourne Parks and Waterways in 1992 new wetlands were established in apparent recognition of the importance of birdlife to the park. These wetlands were adopted as nesting sites by Black Swans, Masked Lap-wings, Dusky Moorhens and ducks.
The removal of over 1000 trees together with shrubs and bushes has seriously affected the habitat and had a devastating effect on the park's birdlife.
The new pit garage and pit straight are being built through the migration route of Flame Robins and Richard's Pipits, the area of an important banding research project begun in 1989 and now abandoned. Over 100 birds are usually seen in migration, but only 10 were observed in 1995. The removal of stands of native plantings from that area has ended the breeding grounds of Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Willie Wagtails, Mudlarks and Magpies. The nesting trees of Yellow-rumped Thornbills have also been removed.
Scrubwrens and Red Wattlebirds had set up a small breeding colony at the south end of the park in the dense vegetation of the Burnley Horticultural College Plantings. Most of those birds have fled since the wholesale clearing of this habitat in February 1995.
The area of the now demolished Hellas Soccer Stadium had a mixture of native plantings, and was an important breeding habitat and food source for native birds: - Wattlebirds, White-plumed Honeyeaters, Willie Wagtails and Mudlarks. In November 1994 the trees were felled at the height of the breeding season; the flocks of birds whirled overhead in confusion and then dispersed. They may not be seen again.
"I have recorded generations of families in there..., but now all their shelter and food is gone, and the birds are gone too." (Ms Talmage, Port Phillip Leader, 13/2/95)
An unprecedented variety of birds are now observed in the surrounding suburbs.
Birds have used Albert Park at different times of the year and in different ways; some need the vegetation, some the playing fields, others the lake. Birds like the Silver-eyes and Greenfinch arrive in the Spring, raise their young and move on to the winter feeding grounds. Some 'stop over' during migration like the Richard's Pipits. Musk and Rainbow Lorikeets appear when the gum trees are in blossom, and move in late Autumn. Others such as Coots use the parkland as their winter feeding ground. Waterbirds feed in and around the lake and use the islands for nest sites - ducks, Black Swans, Masked Lapwings and Dusky Moorhens. Birds have different food needs at various times of the year.
Numbers are not sufficient. A diversity of tree species is needed to meet the special needs of many birds. Replanting the lost habitat with new trees of the same age will not attract or support the former number and variety of birds until they become established which takes time. In addition a stable environment without constant erecting and removing of structures is also needed if birds are to be encouraged to return to and remain in the park. Temporary in situ trees do not provide habitat.
The balance between flora and fauna has been seriously upset by the Grand Prix Corporation's construction works and cannot be rectified as easy as it was destroyed.
| Masked Lapwing | Fewer breeding pairs |
| Galah | Fewer nest sites |
| Eastern Rosella | Gone after trees felled Nov 94 |
| Sacred Kingfisher | Gone after trees felled Nov 94 |
| Welcome Swallow | Some breeding sites destroyed |
| Richard's Pipit | No migrants since area destroyed |
| Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike | No breeding observed in 1994 |
| Flame Robin | Numbers down and few seen migrating |
| Grey fantail | Formerly seasonal breeder now only a migrant |
| Willie Wagtail | Many nest sites destroyed |
| White-browed Scrubwren | Habitat destroyed, birds gone |
| Yellow-rumped Thornbill | Habitat destroyed, birds gone |
| Red Wattlebird | Some nest trees felled; numbers down |
| Little Wattle bird | Some nest trees felled; numbers down |
| White-plumed Honeyeater | Some nest trees felled; numbers down |
| Tree Sparrow | Not seen since Hellas areas vegtation destroyed |
| Australian Mudlark | Some nest trees felled; numbers down |
| Little Raven | Fewer breeding pairs |
The quality of a public park is enhanced by a variety of birdlife. "I'm not saying I see Albert Park as a bird sanctuary, but I think birds are an asset, and part of the park" (Mary Ellen Talmage, Port Phillip Leader 13/2/95).
The value of birdlife for the passive recreation enjoyment of the park is neglected in MP&W's plans. No reference is made to flora or fauna under Principles for Unstructured Recreation (p.40) or to habitat under Tree Planting Policy (p.52) in the Master Plan of November 1994.
The latest Proposed Environmental Management Plan for Albert Park (July 1995) is unconvincing on the role of birdlike and the impact of the Grand Prix. The statement of "Where consistent with the Master Plan, and with public safety, species should be chosen to enhance habitat for urban wildlife" (p.4-5) can only be interpreted to mean that vegetation policy will be subordinated to the needs of the Grand Prix.
The Proposed Environmental Management Plan presents no more than a general comment on the expected short term impact of the Grand Prix:
"It is not anticipated that birdlife will be unduly affected by major events as has been the case with the Adelaide Grand Prix" (p.4-14).
MP&W's consultants' report on the lake management (Sinclair Knight Merz) notes that "because the Grand Prix will last for over four days it will take longer than normal for birds to return" and it "could have a significant impact on wildlife currently using the lake unless these impacts are carefully managed." (p.70)
The consultants' report recognises the need for "structurally diverse vegetation" for "improved bird habitat values" (p.31).
Wildlife would prove an embarrassment when the Grand Prix and other major events are held. The lake management report observes that "Given that Albert Park lake has limited value at present for a wide variety of wildlife, it is reasonable to conclude that the Grand Prix would not have a major impact on wildlife in general" (p.70). Is this the key to future fauna management? It is to be feared that MP&W may have no interest in encouraging a return to the past diversity and numbers of birdlife in Albert Park in the immediate future while Albert Park continues to host the Grand Prix.
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