Council seeks rare sightings

Gosford Council's natural resources officer Ms Nikki Bennetts is wanting to hear from Peninsula residents who have seen endangered animals locally.

"Spring is show-off season for the many Australian animals that use their distinctive calls or mating displays to attract the opposite sex," she said.

Ms Bennetts stated that spring was the best time for local residents to spot or hear threatened native species, such as the Bush Stone-curlew or Green and Golden Bell frog.

"Residents can help protect these animals by providing council with valuable information on their whereabouts," Ms Bennetts said.

Bush Stone-curlews were rare birds found around the Brisbane Waters foreshore, particularly in the area bounded by Woy Woy, St Huberts Island, Hardy's Bay, Empire Bay, Bensville, Saratoga, Davistown and Kincumber.

Nesting in long grass in open areas, their survival relies on their ability to blend with their surroundings, Ms Bennetts said.

"If you see or hear either species, let council know the time, date and location, number of birds and eggs or frogs and tadpoles, and the position of any nests," Ms Bennetts said.

To pass on information about endangered animals, call Ms Bennetts on 4325 8844 or e-mail nikki.bennetts@gosford.nsw.gov.au.

Press release, September 4 Marion Newall, Gosford Council