Community urged to look out for first signs of corellas

Published on 17 September 2020

West Wimmera Shire Council will look to deter corella ‘scout birds’ in a bid to discourage large flocks from roosting in towns.

Council adopted a new corella management plan for 2020-2024 at its meeting in August. The plan outlines a range of strategies for corella management in the shire.

Planning and Environment Manager David Pietsch said West Wimmera Shire had experienced problems with large numbers of corellas in the past.

“In significant numbers, corellas cause damage to trees, create noise issues, and can potentially damage buildings and infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Pietsch said one of the first steps of the plan was to target and deter scout birds.

“Scouts birds are the first birds that come into our towns, usually between September and November,” he said. “These birds are looking for sources of food and places to roost.”

Targeting scout birds can deter the corella flocks that follow.

“From Council’s previous experience, this has been a reasonably effective control method,” Mr Pietsch said.

Scout birds will be deterred using culling and scaring methods, as outlined in the management plan.

Mr Pietsch said West Wimmera residents should contact council if they see any scout birds in the shire.

“Council officers can then actively deter these birds to discourage the following flocks from settling in township areas,” he said.

Other corella management strategies outlined in the new plan include dispersing birds, public education, asset design solutions, and advocacy and partnership.

“No single management strategy alone will prove effective,” Mr Pietsch said.  

 “A number of different techniques need to be used.

“Techniques include hand held lasers and flares, stock whips, clapping boards, and gas scare guns.

“These will be used in different locations and at varying times.”

 The entire plan is available for viewing on West Wimmera Shire Council’s website. To report a scout bird, contact council on 13 WWSC

WWSC-Corella-Management-Plan-2020-2024-adopted-19-Aug-2020.pdf(PDF, 1MB)