No. 43
Hello everyone
2026 is flying by and shaping up to be our most positive year yet for the Melville Bird Sanctuary (MBS), especially at Point Waylen.
Revitalisation of Point Waylen (MBS East Region)
We’re delighted to share a recent joint media statement from Federal Minister for the Environment and Water of Australia, Murray Watt, and Member for Tangney, Sam Lim MP, confirming $850,000 in federal government funding to restore the Point Waylen foreshore along the Swan River within the Melville Bird Sanctuary.
This exciting project will include:
Replanting of native vegetation
Protecting and restoring important bird habitat, including for endangered migratory birds
Improving community connection to the foreshore
Please read more at this link Sam Lim MP - Happy news for our riverbanks and our feathered... | Facebook
The project was also published on the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Facebook page.
Our State Member for Bicton Lisa O’Malley has also provided $145,000 for bird viewing seat(s) at Point Waylen and equipment for school visits.
🐦🌿The Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary are deeply grateful for the confidence shown through funding support from both Federal and State Governments.
The Point Waylen project is being led by the City of Melville in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Planned features include:
Seating and gathering spaces
Community meeting areas
Interpretive signage
Education programs
Timeline:
Works are expected to begin in mid-2026 and conclude in late 2027.
Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary look forward to participating with all project partners. There will also be opportunities for community involvement, including planting days and special events.
Please check out the City of Melville link Point Waylen RevitalisationProject - City of Melville.
We will continue to provide updates via Facebook and in our bimonthly newsletters. This MBS milestone represents the culmination of many years of advocacy and dedication from our community.
Sam Lim MP comments:
“This investment will complement the incredible work done by the Melville community through the Melville Bird Sanctuary. The Australian Government is proud to be investing in projects like this that help communities connect with each other and nature.”
We sincerely thank Member for Tangney Sam Lim MP and State Member for Bicton, Lisa O’Malley, for their valued support. 🐥💚
MP Sam Lim with some Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary at Point Waylen
Birdwatching Walk – Blackwall Reach/Point Walter, Bicton
Blackwall Reach / Point Walter, Bicton Thursday 9 April | 8:30am
Join a guided birdwatching walk along a Swan River bush track, led by BirdLife member Charles Merriam.
Meeting point: Junction of Kent Street and Blackwall Reach Parade, Bicton
What to bring:
Hat and closed shoes Sunscreen and water Binoculars
Optional: folding chair and morning tea
After the walk, we’ll gather to compile a shared bird list. We hope you can join us!
See link: BirdLife Western Australia - Walk - Blackwall Reach, Bicton, 9 April 2026 - BirdLife Australia
Osprey Update
Our adult female and juvenile Ospreys at Alfred Cove continue to frequent the area. Recently, we observed three Ospreys together on their perch, possibly the adult male and female with the juvenile competing for centre position! The adult female was also seen in February carrying what appeared to be nesting material to the nesting pole.
Photos by Sarah Howard
Birdwatching & Cognitive Benefits
Recent Canadian research suggests that birdwatching may provide significant cognitive benefits, particularly for experienced observers.
Read more here:
A ‘Gentle’ Reminder
Some migratory birds are still present at this late stage of the season. Most recently, two Common Greenshanks were disturbed by people walking along Point Waylen beach.
We remind all visitors to kindly:
Be mindful of shorebirds (especially migratory birds)
Respect sensitive habitats such as mudflats and foreshore areas
Use alternative spaces for walking and recreation
Your care makes a big difference.
Explore More
We invite you to explore the diverse bird species of the Melville Bird Sanctuary via our website. Birds of MBS — Melville Bird Sanctuary.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best regards
Jenny Christenson & Tom Lubin
Co-founders: Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary
240 Burke Drive, Attadale, 6156
Australia 6156
Web Site: www.melbirdsanc.com eMail: mailperson@melbirdsanc.com
Containers for Change
Please donate using this barcode.
Donations may also be made to our Westpac Bank Account.
Details as follows: Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary, BSB 036-084 A/c 494777
Contact Melville City Rangers
MelSafe - 131 247 Anytime, day or night, to get help when you need it. MelSafe includes Rangers and the Community Safety Service.
Contact Wildcare Helpline (Parks & Wildlife - DBCA)
08 9474 9055
Contact WA Seabird Rescue
08 6102 8464