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At a culturally significant location close to Yalata, a new bird hide is attracting ravens, honeyeaters, bronze wing pigeons, parrots, and cheeky crows. What started as a tourism resource has evolved into a living classroom for culture and conservation.
July - November 2024
Great Victoria Desert
Yalata IPA
South Australia
Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation Board, Yalata Traditional Owners, Yalata Rangers
"We are hoping that the birds will be increasingly attracted to the bird hide, and we’re looking to do lots of photography and produce some more Yalata-made education materials around local species and monitoring of their habits and patterns. The adults are excited that the kids can know what’s out there and use it to learn more about Country." – Andrew Alderson, Ranger Coordinator, Yalata.
A bird hide is a purpose-built shelter that lets people watch birds and wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
The location for the Yalata Bird Hide was chosen after thoughtful consultation with elders, Rangers, community members and the Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation Board. Initially intended to be close to the caravan park for tourism, the original site ’ s proximity to the highway was deemed too dangerous for children. The Rangers were prompted to consider other options. Eventually, they settled on a culturally significant Rockhole site, which had been recently cleaned.
In the early days of the community, Elders recalled camping at the site, making it a meaningful place to connect the past with the future.
"This is a good spot, we used to stop by here as kids, on our way to the roadhouse." – Rita Bryant, Yalata Community Elder.
The new location also makes practical sense, as it’ s easily accessible from town by rangers, community members, school students and tourists.
The bird hide was carefully constructed by a local sub-contractor, with the Rangers assisting by clearing and levelling the site. They used Yalata ' s rock drill to bore the footing holes and after precise measurements, secured the stumps in place then lowered the hide onto its base and bolted it down. The Rangers also built a watering system to complement the hide. The system was raised off the ground to ensure the water would only attract birds, not any unwanted species. The job took a couple of days and generated huge excitement from the community!
Modelled after a design from the Gluepot Reserve in Waikerie, the hide is sturdy, strong and elevated, offering unobtrusive views of the surrounding wildlife.
Its impact has been almost immediate. As soon as the water was turned on it attracted ravens, honey eaters, bronze wing pigeons and parrots.
The Rangers have integrated bird hide maintenance into their regular work plans, now consistently checking the water, refilling it when needed, and keeping the area clean for visitors, locals, and schoolchildren.
One of the most exciting outcomes of the project has been the deepening connection between the Rangers and local school children. With support from the Aṉangu-run Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee, the children have expanded their knowledge and vocabulary of bird species, particularly in the southern Pitjantjatjara dialect.
Bird identification posters have been developed in this dialect, to be used at the school and displayed in the Bird Hide. Elders often express concern that the rich, complex language once used to describe birds and small animals is fading, leaving younger generations disconnected from the Country around them.
This project, however, is helping to ease those concerns through the sharing of language and knowledge. This aligns with the community’s Healthy Country Plan objectives: the Rangers get the knowledge and guidance from the elders, then pass it on to the young ones.
As the birds return in greater numbers, this important project will fuel even more educational opportunities, including photography, and Yalata-made resources, to track and share local species’ habits.
Eager to make a lasting impact on a whole community like Yalata?
Donate today or contact foundation@indigenousdesertalliance.com to learn more.
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