At least one male bird has already been killed, last weekend, according to reports from local bird enthusiasts. 

Grain spillage from trucks is one of the main threats facing the Superb Parrot, a much-loved threatened woodland bird that is the focus of a community-led conservation effort to help protect and restore its habitat in the Hilltops Shire and other parts of the South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands.

Through the Saving Our Species project Boorowa and Hovells Creek Landcare Groups will be offering a contribution to landholders towards fencing for paddock tree protection, including dead trees, which may be known nest trees or potential nest trees.

Subsidies will also be offered for fencing of existing remnant Box Gum woodland that allows strategic grazing management that improves overall habitat quality.

“Almost every year, reports come in about Superb Parrots and other birds being hit by vehicles on regional roads where grain has been spilt,” Linda Cavanagh from BCLG said.

Over 20 years ago, a state-wide campaign commenced to increase awareness of the grain spill issue.

This included providing signage at grain silos and weighbridges throughout the NSW wheatbelt where Superb Parrots are known to occur.

This initiative was well supported by local grain growers and GrainCorp and most grain trucks now cover their loads, which has helped to reduce the amount of grain spilt from trucks.

However, this year there has been several alarming incidents, including one near Murrumbateman where as many as 40 Superb Parrots were killed on a short stretch of road where grain had been spilt.

The birds land to feed and they fill up on grain, are weighed down and have little chance of avoiding being hit by vehicles travelling at high speed.

With a total population of only about 8000 birds, loss of birds from grain spill is a serious issue.

“Given it’s the non-harvest season it is a little unusual for birds to be hit, but there are infrequent reports of this happening further west I assume from feed grain being spilt in winter time,” Ms Cavanagh said. 

“Due to dry conditions this year, birds are still in the region and a lack of available food means they are surviving on anything they can find like spilt grain.”

Unfortunately, Superb Parrots do not have the same road sense as Ravens and Magpies and other birds that often feed on roads and road verges.

We are losing thousands upon thousands of native birds across the country to vehicles and if motorists safely slow down it will assist.

If you see a flock of Superb Parrots along a country road please slow down and consider sounding your horn when approaching.

We ask that locals report to BCLG or Hilltops Shire when they see birds on the road feeding on spilt grain, so that signs can be erected and the grain swept off the road.

It is very clear that the community cares for the Superb Parrot and is concerned to see birds getting hit on country roads.