Wings Over East Gippsland:
Helping Peregrine Falcons Find a Home
Rebuilding and strengthening the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations on the Gippsland Plains.
On the Gippsland Plains around Bairnsdale, a distinct population of these birds have historically nested in large hollow-bearing trees - a behaviour that sets them apart from the cliff-nesting falcons found elsewhere in East Gippsland, and one that makes them particularly sensitive to the loss of old trees across the agricultural landscape.
A population under pressure
As large old trees have become scarcer across the plains, so
too have the nesting opportunities this population depends on. Without suitable
hollows, breeding success declines and population numbers follow. This project
is a direct response to that pressure.
The Project
Using our profit-for-purpose funds, Ecologic NRM has engaged Brett Mills as a part-time project officer to coordinate project delivery. Four specialised nest boxes - known as 'eyries' - have been installed at local farm properties, positioned by a qualified arborist to replicate the tree hollows the falcons use for breeding.
The 'eyries'
An eyrie is a purpose-built nest box designed to replicate the large tree hollows that Peregrine Falcons rely on for breeding. Each box has been installed high in strategic locations at selected farm sites across the Bairnsdale region.
Community Involvement
Local landholders were approached about hosting eyries on their properties and responded positively. Farmer participation is central to the project's long-term viability, as ongoing monitoring and stewardship of the nest sites will depend on continued landholder engagement.
Looking Ahead
The four eyries are now in place and ready to be monitored through the breeding season, recording any signs of activity and building a dataset to inform future project phases. The aim is to establish a pattern of successful breeding that contributes to a stable, self-sustaining population on the Gippsland Plains over time.
Our Partners
Thank you to our partners - Romawi Landcare Group who secured a Community Impact Fund grant from East Gippsland Shire Council.
ECOLOGICNRM
PROFIT-FOR-PURPOSE
Every project we deliver funds work like this.
Ecologic NRM is a Gippsland-based environmental assessment and planning consultancy. When you work with us, your project supports nature-positive programs across the region
We acknowledge the Gunaikurnai, Monero and Bidwell people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and water on which we live . We recognise First People's continuing connection to Country and community and pay respects to elders past and present.