Narrabri Men’s Shed has embarked on a project which may eliminate the population of Indian Myna birds in Narrabri.
The Mynas are pests which have been the subject of eradication programs across Australia.
Now it is the turn of the Narrabri Mynas.
But they are hard to catch, until now.
“We have obtained the plans for Indian Myna traps” explained Men’s shed president John McLean.
“The traps are quite complex because the Mynas are so cunning.
“Basically they will enter through a portal and work their way through chambers into the feed bait in a second cage.”
Why do the traps have to be so complex?
“Because the Mynas are clever” said John.
“It is said that they will see people putting bait into a trap and be smart enough not to go there.”
The Indian Myna bird traps will work just as well with starlings, the Men’s Shed said.
“There have been successful eradication campaigns in places like Townsville and Cairns already and as far south as Canberra” said John.
“The Mynas are in plague proportions in Narrabri” adds Men’s Shed member Terry Middleton.
“They hunt the birds like parrots out of their territory.”
The Mynas not only displace native birds, they wreak havoc on the environment, digging up gardens and lawns.
“They have feet like shovels” said Gordon Cain.
However, the end may be in sight for the local Mynas.
“We are building as many of these traps as we need to” said John McLean.
“We will be taking orders at our Christmas garage sale on Saturday.”
Every household should have one.
“We will be providing instructions with each cage” adds John.
“Basically they can be simply set up in the garden.”
Another member commented that his Mynas fly under the house to escape.
“Put the traps under the house” a colleague suggested.
The cage will hold numerous Mynas and as the trap fills more are attracted to their doom.
Like just about every other pest species of plant and animal, Mynas were introduced into Australia in the 1860s Originally from southern India, they were brought in as a biological control agent, just as the cane toads were brought into Queensland.
Visitors to the Men’s shed garage sale, at the Men’s Shed HQ on Saturday will be able to inspect a Myna trap and place an order for one.
“Expect to be surprised” Narrabri Men’s Shed committee president John McLean advises intending visitors to the Men’s shed garage sale on Saturday.
“We have a huge range of items and everything must go.”
Saturday’s event, beginning at 9am and running until 1pm, is the Men’s Shed Christmas garage sale.
“We have everything from a bar fridge to completely cleaned and reconditioned barbecues,” said John. “Plus of course, kids’ tables and chairs, wooden toys and lots for the home handyman and builder. Everything will be a bargain - but a quality bargain!” John adds.