Background:  

Current:

• PhD Research Candidate
• Recipient - Australian Post Graduate Award

Previous studies:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Protected Area Management)
  • Case study: "Towards best practice - commercial wild bird feeding (guidelines and recommendations)"
• Honours research project in Applied Science (Environmental Tourism):
  • "Evaluation of best practice - commercial wild bird feeding"
• Previous studies have focused on researching appropriate environmental and operational management for supplementary wild bird feeding activities, primarily at high intensity, commerical feeding sites. 
• Material has been interpreted to guide backyard wild bird feeding activites, within Australia.
• Main areas of interest include positive human-wildlife interactions, wild bird health and disease investigation, and environmental management.

Study Area: Managingg the Natural Environment

Project Title: "Investigation of bird health and feeding behaviour, and the supplementary feeding environment. "

Project outline: There has long been concern over the effects of supplementary feeding on wild birds.  However, there has been little formal research to guide our understanding or appropriate management of this popular form of wildlife interaction.This research will use methods from veterinary science and wildlife management to investigate the health and feeding behaviour of wild birds frequenting supplementary feeding sites, as compared to birds foraging naturally.  Data will be collected at two locations, one in South East Queensland and another in Eastern Victoria, Australia.
Findings will inform decision making by wildlife managers, operators of commercial wild bird feeding activities and people feeding wild birds in their backyards; as well as addressing biosecurity and public health interests.

Due for completion:  Early 2010

Advisors:

Principal:

• Dr Greg Baxter-School of Natural and Rural Systems Management

Other:

• Dr Dianne Vanken - School of Veterinary Science
• Prof. Peter O'Donoghue - School of Molecular and Microbial Science

External advice and assistance very kindly being contributed by:

• Prof. Branson Ritchie and Dr Paula Ciembor - University of Georgia
• 'Dr' Bob Doneley - West Toowomba Veterinary Clinic - Qld
• Dr Peter Holz - Healesville Sanctuary - Vic.
• Ms Laurel Allsopp and Mrs Kathy Wilk - Tweed Bird Observers
• Dr Jon Coleman and other good folk who risk life and limb to assist my field work… thank you!

Collaborating Organisations:

Support is kindly being provided by:

• O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
• Golden Cob - Mars BirdCare
• Birds Queensland
• Scenic Rim Shire Council (Formerly Beaudesert Shire Council)
• Wildlife Interactions

With credit to previous supporters: 

• Dr Manda Page
• Bunya Mountain Getaway
• Tarong Power

Contact Details:

• Phone: 0405 598 759
• E-mail: cleary.jenny@saugov.sa.gov.au
• Postal: PO Box 254 Canungra, Q 4275