A testament to the power of community conservation

Our first glimpse came at Simpsons Bay. There, flitting like emerald jewels among the blossoming blue gums, were several critically endangered Swift Parrots. The sight of them, so vibrant and alive, transformed our afternoon. The table saw dropped back to the shed; this was a call to observe. We became spontaneous surveyors, our route now charted by purpose. At each key location—the Neck, Two Tree Point, Adventure Bay—more small, bright flocks confirmed we were witnessing something special. 

Each sighting was a heartening reward, but it was at Lunawanna where the day reached its breathtaking climax. In a single grove, over a hundred Swift Parrots swarmed, a chattering, vibrant cloud. They were desperately replenishing themselves with nectar after their epic migration from NSW, now safely on Bruny to nest and raise there fledglings. Speaking with Andrew Hingston from the Bruny Island Environment Network (BIEN) underscored the profound importance of this very site. It is a vital lifeline, a feeding ground that fuels their survival.

As we stood there, humbled by the spectacle and reflecting on the fragility of this essential habitat, a moment of pure serendipity occurred. A local resident paused to share incredible news: the very land we were admiring had just been purchased by a community member with the purpose of protecting it for the Swift Parrots.

For years, the Men's Shed, driven passionately by James Bunker, Ian Strathearn and now Ben Hansson, has been building and installing nest boxes to give these birds a safe haven. And since 2023, BIENs "Threatened Woodland Birds of Bruny Island" project has been a powerhouse of action—planting habitat, installing boxes, and doing everything possible to protect the Swift parrots and their equally vulnerable neighbours, the forty-spotted pardalotes. This work is propelled by the dedication of volunteers like Daniel Sprod, Chick Perrin, Cat Davidson, David Boyer and of course Bob and Margaret Graham.

It was the perfect, hopeful end to the day. A donated saw, a series of wonderful encounters, and a final, powerful confirmation: on Bruny Island, conservation isn't just an idea—it's a community in action.