David Attenborough might have his Spy in the Herd motorised cameras but Port Macquarie wildlife researchers are enlisting the help of an greater observer - you.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hastings Birdwatcher's Club has tasked local residents to be their eyes and ears on the ground, as they host free workshops to spot the endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot.
The birds were selected because it's estimated there are only 400 honeyeaters and 2000 parrots remaining in the wild.
A workshop to train people to identify the birds will be held on April 11 at Planet X in Port Macquarie from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
To register a place in the workshop phone 0428 285 661.
Annual surveys are held each year on the third weekend in May and the first weekend in August.
Survey coordinator Ken Monson said populations for the two species were declining.
"We are looking at some of these birds being extinct within three generations," he said.
"Regent Honeyeaters are declining rapidly however captive breeding has been set up and been moderately successful.
"We're lucky that birds have been spotted locally at Lake Cathie and near Charles Sturt University."
After the workshops organisers are hoping residents will be able to identify Swift Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters and their preferred habitats to assist future national Birdlife Australia surveys.
The club has had a number of successful sightings of the Swift Parrots in 2018, after three confirmed sightings from members of the public.
However the club is restricted by private land restrictions, said Mr Monson.
"We are now trying to encourage the public to get involved to find birds on their own property," he said.
"Knowing the different calls, colours and species they flock with, taking photographs to confirm them.
"We need the public's support to be interested, inform us and hopefully trust us to confirm the birds onsite.
"As we try to expand the area we observe, we are also expanding our informers.
"They can play a part in preserving the species - knowledge represents protection."
The club covers birdwatching from Camden Head to Crescent Head and out west of Ellenborough, Comboyne and Pappinbarra.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.