Saturday, 8 March 2025
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) and International Women’s Day (8 March), we’re sharing the stories of two of our amazing ecologists, Dr Holly Parsons and Jessica Rooke – and their advice to women and girls with an interest in ecology and conservation.
They’re just some of the many incredible women at the forefront of bird conservation in Australia – including scientists and researchers, landholders, campaigners and our own staff and volunteers – who are working tirelessly to protect birds and solve Australia’s extinction crisis.
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much work to be done in achieving gender equality and breaking down barriers to engage more women and gender diverse people in science and wildlife conservation efforts.
I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, and birds in particular sparked my curiosity early on. There is a lot to be said for having someone pointing out things in the natural world and encouraging you to explore it – for me that was my dad. I try to instil that curiosity in my own daughter now too.
Early opportunities at university allowed me to fall into birding and I had one experience where I got to release an Eastern Ground Parrot after it was banded. I commented to the bander that it was a shame that they only caught 5 birds that evening. He was shocked and said “Oh no, we have never caught 5 before, it’s a new record!” That spoke volumes to me, and I knew I was in the right field.
For most of my career, I’ve worked in urban bird conservation, focusing on how we can better share our cities with wildlife. Birds bring people so much joy, and they are often people’s first real connection to nature. Whether it’s a magpie that visits every day or a Gang-gang Cockatoo that shows up unexpectedly in the trees overhead, these moments matter. They make people care.
Now, with my role also looking at Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), I’m excited to be thinking beyond cities and working on landscapes that are vital for birds across Australia. Urban spaces are important, but so are the forests, wetlands, and grasslands that sustain bird populations. It’s all connected and we need to work hard to protect the landscapes to support our wildlife.
One of the best parts of my work is seeing people light up when they share their bird stories. I’ve had the privilege of helping build conservation programs that bring people into the process – whether it’s volunteers monitoring Powerful Owls and working with land managers, people planting out their gardens or school kids taking action for birds on their school ground. Seeing people feel empowered to make a difference is a huge win.
Follow your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to take up space in science. Ecology isn’t just about research – it’s about problem-solving, communication, and making a difference on the ground. Conservation is so exciting – we get to see our research in action and inspire others. Seek out mentors and get involved in local conservation projects, there is so much great work going on out there and so many great people who may not be professional ecologists but who know SO much about their local patch or particular species. Reach out to them.
Don’t be afraid to be passionate about your ‘thing’ – whether it’s birds, fungi or moths. Passion goes a long way to recruiting people to your cause and achieving change
It’s a career that’s just as much about people as it is about nature. Conservation doesn’t happen in isolation – we need communities, policymakers, and landholders to be part of the solution. I love that birds bring people together. Everyone has a bird story, and that connection is such a powerful tool for change.
I was that kid who never wanted to come inside – I was always outside, watching birds, flipping through wildlife books, and dreaming of being a “bird scientist.” But as I got older, I drifted away from that dream, especially after facing challenges in high school and feeling like I didn’t quite fit the mould of a “scientist.”
Then one day, I heard the call of a lone Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. That moment stopped me in my tracks. It brought back everything I loved about nature, and I knew I had to follow that feeling. I ended up studying these birds for my Honours, and now, here I am – working in conservation, just like I once dreamed of as a kid.
My focus is on some of Australia’s most threatened birds – species that often struggle to get the attention (or funding) they desperately need. A big part of my work is figuring out what these birds need to survive and making sure they aren’t overlooked in conservation efforts.
But science isn’t just about data – it’s about people, too. I have the privilege of working with Traditional Owners, communities, landholders, and other scientists to find real, practical solutions. Because at the end of the day, conservation isn’t just about saving birds – it’s about keeping ecosystems healthy for everything, including us.
Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out – just start somewhere. Whether it’s volunteering, studying, or even just following your curiosity, every step counts.
Science needs different voices and perspectives, so don’t feel like you have to fit into a certain mould. Whether you’re into research, storytelling, mapping, or hands-on fieldwork, – there’s a place for you in conservation. And never be afraid to take up space. Your ideas and passion are just as valuable as anyone else’s!
It’s not just about fieldwork! Ecology spans everything from policy and data analysis to working with communities and advocating for change. Some of the most powerful conservation wins happen when science meets people – when we translate research into action that protects species and habitats.
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