Friends of the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton

24/03/2026

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is undertaking a review of the Basin Plan and this is your opportunity to have a say about the future water management in the Basin. 🔎💧📝

The MDBA’s discussion paper has been released with public consultation running until 1 May 2026.

Outcomes of the review will have long term implications for Victorian catchments and communities including environmental objectives, how water is recovered, and the role of the Australian Government in regulating water across the Basin.

For more information, read our factsheet on the Basin Plan Review and what it means for Victorian communities: https://www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/murray-darling-basin-plan-consultation

24/03/2026

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22/03/2026

BEAKS THAT FIT THE BILL

A bird’s beak (or bill) is the result of millions of years of evolution, shaped by diet, habitat, and survival needs. And for birders, learning to read a beak is one of the most useful ways to identify a bird, even when light or distance make plumage unreliable.

In these beautiful bird portraits, taken in the Blue Mountains by photographer Warren Hinder, the comparative differences in beak shape are evident and reflect the primary food sources for each species of bird. Pictured below from left to lower right are:

> Juvenile Eastern Spinebill (nectivore)
> White-browed Scrubwren (insectivore)
> Beautiful Firetail (granivore)
> Tawny-crowned Honeyeater (nectivore)
> Leaden Flycatcher (insectivore)
> Bar-shouldered Dove (herbivore)
> Satin Bowerbird (frugivore).

Ornithologists tend to use the word “bill” more often than “beak.” Some people use “beak” when referring to songbirds with pointed bills, and “bill” when discussing birds like ducks with more fleshy beaks. However, both words are used in reference to a wide variety of species.

Photos: © Warren Hinder 2026
You can see more of Warren’s photographic work on his Blue Mountains Walks page and his web sites www.bluemountainswalks.com.au and www.warrenhinder.org

22/03/2026

A gentle reminder this International Day of Forests that what we protect now is what will sustain generations to come 💚

Plant trees, support restoration and care for the forests that support us 🌱🌳

Get involved in National Tree Day this 26 July https://nationaltreeday.org.au/.

12/02/2026

07/02/2026