COVID-19 in Wagga sees increase in bird and animal activity as humans retreat indoors

"Anecdotally, I can say around Wagga and the world right now, birds are being noticed a lot more," said Ben Holt, an educator at Erin Earth.

Charles Sturt University wildlife expert Dr Andrew Peters explains the change as "not surprising".

"Wildlife doesn't like noisy environments, so now that Wagga is quieter, it sends a signal to say it's safe to come out," Dr Peters said.

Over the past weeks, Mr Holt said he has seen 200-strong flocks of cockatoos and has heard of pelicans forming a chorus on Lake Albert.

Likewise, Dr Peters has seen more birds of prey and insect-eating birds.

"I've seen kestrels, I heard a boobook owl the other night. That's the first time in a long time I've heard one in urban Wagga," Dr Peter said.

With less movement around the world, it is even likely, Mr Holt said that the world has stopped seismically vibrating quite as loudly.

But both Dr Peters and Mr Holt expect the change to be shortlived unless humans commit to keeping it.

"This behaviour is responsive to immediate triggers," Dr Peters said.

"But it reminds us that human towns needn't be hostile to wildlife.

"Imagine a future with less traffic, where more people worked from home or rode bicycles to work and lived more sustainable. The animals are there, ready to be a part of our lives."

Similarly, Mr Holt described "this terrible time" as a "road map to change".

"A long-term lockdown would be dangerous, it would destroy lives and mental health," he said.

"I would suggest that we want to go back to normal, but I think a new normal should involve awareness of global solutions."