Their five-year project, 'Turning the Tide on Threatened Species - Regent Honeyeater', aims to address threats to the birds, improve the scope and quality of their habitat, and raise awareness of the critically endangered species.

Northern Tablelands LLS and Landcare deliver the program, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, to reverse the potential extinction of the species.

"With population numbers in the wild estimated at approximately 300 - 500, protecting the species is critical," Anya Salmon, Regional Landcare Facilitator, Northern Tablelands LLS, said. "The project's success relies profoundly on collaboration from landholders, but support from the entire community is also crucial."

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Anya was recently encouraged to see about 50 enthusiastic bird watchers and landholders attend two field days at Yarrowyck and Nullamanna.

Regent Honeyeater Focus Groups have been established across the region to raise awareness of the species. The groups also assist in the promotion of Bird Life Australia's census days in May and August.

"Landcare networks will work in conjunction with a number of groups who will be involved in sightings, as well as collecting census data," Anya said.

"We are very grateful to the enthusiastic citizen scientists for their assistance in recording the status of the Regent Honeyeaters in their neighbourhoods."

Apart from the field and census days, landholders and community members may become involved in numerous ways.

Anya encouraged community members to join a focus group. Four meetings are held annually, providing networking and support. While members are drawn from bird watching groups across the region, anyone interested can join.

For landholders, several incentives encourage wider involvement. Funding is available to fence off areas of remnant vegetation that are core Regent Honeyeater habitat, as well as revegetation projects.

This investment will benefit other woodland birds. Protecting and enhancing habitat for the Regent Honeyeater will also help other endangered and vulnerable species, such as the Swift Parrot and the Painted Honeyeater.

"A whole of community approach is required," Anya said. "It is often farmers, birdwatchers, and bushwalkers who notice these endangered woodland birds on their properties, walking tracks, and Travelling Stock Reserves."

Anya encouraged interested landholders and community members to contact their local Landcare network or Local Land Services if they notice any of these birds.

"The Northern Tablelands would be a lot poorer if deprived of these spectacular species," Anya said.

For further information, or to register your interest, contact Anya Salmon on 0455 481 170 or anya.salmon@lls.nsw.gov.au.