The Land for Wildlife coordinator, Caragh, made the trip to Ntaria / Hermannsburg to help with the Junior Ranger program. With the assistance of the Tjuwanpa Women’s Rangers and Gerard Lessels, LfW helped the Ntaria Junior Rangers understand birds’ nests. The Junior Rangers learned about bird nest design, material use, nest shape and the consequences of nest site selection choices. Some local examples of birds’ nests were used to explain the multiple functions of a nest. They also heard about the Cuckoo – a bird that doesn’t build its own nest at all, but rather places sneaky eggs in the nest of other birds. The Junior Rangers suggested some animals other than birds that make nests, such as ants. To get creative, the Junior Rangers enthusiastically built their own nests, using materials in the nearby area, to explore the role of different materials in nest design and function. What a clever and inventive group of young minds!

In other Junior Ranger news, Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory are seeking interest for their Junior Ranger program in Alice Springs. This year they will be investigating the Central Australian bush, practicing their Mad Scientist skills, learning all about plants and animals, finding out what makes them tick as they interact with nature. They will also be bushwalking, map reading, tracking, camping, spotlighting and generally having an excellent time! If you know anyone aged 9-12, get their parents to contact Susie Armes (susie.armes@nt.gov.au) as soon as possible to secure a position.