I’d been looking forward to this one for a long time.

I’ve known of Jacinta’s work for years. She’s doing some really exciting work in urban ecology and has made important contributions to how we understand cities and biodiversity. It’s something I’ve learned a lot from.

She chose Banyule Flats, somewhere I hadn’t properly spent time in before, and it turned out to be one of those perfect spots. As soon as we started walking, we were already birdwatching. The mics were on, and that was it. Everything you hear is from that moment on.

Jacinta is an urban ecologist whose work looks at how birds persist, adapt and sometimes even thrive in urban environments. As we moved through the billabongs and wetlands along the Birrarung, we talked through her path into conservation, from working on threatened swamp skinks to studying bird communities across Melbourne.

What I really enjoyed about this walk was getting into the detail. We talked about what cities are missing and what they need to better support biodiversity. Things like the importance of dense shrubs, how species like noisy miners shape bird communities, and how small changes in habitat can make a real difference.

We also got into the practical side of it. Backyards, balconies, local parks. Simple things people can actually do, even just putting out water, that help support wildlife in the middle of a city.

I’ll remember this one. A pretty lucky day, walking and birdwatching at Banyule Flats with a great urban ecologist. If you get the chance, go and check it out yourself.

To find out more about the reserve click here: https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/Events-activities/Parks-and-reserves/Banyule-Flats-Reserve