Bird studies 2010

Dawn Muir points out an
interesting bird at Bellbird
Grove on 1 November 2009

Background

Birding activities were carried out in 2008 as part of a comprehensive series of studies of birdlife to be conducted along the Brook . Such recorded observations conducted over time allow evaluation of the health and biodiversity of wildlife throughout the catchment. For this reason,our Branch executive decided we should continue a similar series of bird studies in 2009 and now 2010 along the same lines as the previous years.

Details of all the studies for 2008 and 2009 are given in a table, 'Table 1 KBCB_WPSQ Results of Bird Studies 2008 - 2009, Summary of study dates, location codes, actual locations and conditions'. This is a small pdf file that can be downloaded here. Each study location code consists of an acronym of the location name together with a four numeral bit that represents the month and year. Thus, Code "KP-0108" represents Kalinga Park area specifically as conducted in January 2008.

Table 1 can be used to obtain these location codes to assist the interpretation of Tables 2 and 3, respectively covering the 2008 and 2009 studies. The latter two tables give the common names of the bird species observed for each study together with the total number of species observed at each study and the total number of the actual studies at which that species was observed for that year. You'll see the common names of the species observed at each study as indicated by the numeral "1" symbol in the relevant columns. Totals at the bottom of each study indicate the total number of different species observed for that outing (at least one bird per species observed). Totals to the right of the table sum up the number of occasions that at least one bird of a given species was observed.

Over the two years of bird studies, the number of bird species observed varied from 11 up to 53 per outing depending upon the overall timing, month and variety of habitat at the location. Overall, we observed 123 and 90 different bird species respectively over the 2008 and 2009 studies conducted. Taken over the two years, we actually observed 138 different species, a consequence of the fact that not all bird species were observed in both periods. But we’ll need many more years of study records before we can confidently determine any significant trends from our data.

Brown Honeyeater calling
in the sunshine

Although we have a number of catchment members that are experienced birders, the leadership of Dawn Muir, Birds Queensland, has been vital. She is especially appreciated through the injection of her valuable experience in the conduct of these outings and particularly in their recording. Contributions from Esther Townsend have also been most appreciated. Valuable contributions by Leanne Bowden & Greg Miller, WPSQ Brisbane Branch with past reports of their walks within the catchment are gratefully acknowledged.

Program for 2010

Program details for this year are available from a small file (PDF, 15 KB). The program details in this file will be modified over this year as interactions with other programs affecting volunteers become known. Interested persons should also always check the latest home page news section to keep up to date. People wanting to join in, should contact the Outings Coordinator, , or Dawn Muir, so that they can take you into account for the day of the outings.

Details of observations (Being added after each outing in 2010)

The first sightings originally planned for Sunday 7 February had to be re-scheduled to 14 February due to heavy rainfall. The morning of the 14th was sunny though the previous rains had produced a strong water flow along the Brook. Leader Dawn Muir, assisted by Esther Townsend, together with six other birders enjoyed the morning sunshine and came up with a total of 43 species of birds observed. The diversity of habitats in this area was an important factor contributing to the number of interesting observations enjoyed. The rare finding of an Australasian Bittern was unexpected for our region. Sighted on a dead branch of a tree, the bird was dive-bombed by Noisy Minors supported by Magpie-larks and a single Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. A Grey Goshawk stalking from a Eucalypt near the bat colony was given a similar turnaway by the Noisy Minors.

Detailed results

The following table provides links to the results of any completed studies.

Top

Pacific Wood Duck chicks look for their parents
at Pony Club Bend, Mitchelton in August 2009

General requirements

These outings need to be carried out in small groups to reduce disturbance of, often, quiet elusive birds. It takes members of reasonable experience to be able to observe and identify birds correctly. However, there is opportunity for new keen birders to join and learn the ropes on all of our outings.

Bring your own personal food and water requirements. It is a good idea to have sun and insect protection (hat, skin protection, sunscreen and insect repellant). Although most outings are conducted along made paths, sometimes it is necessary to move carefully into bushland to more closely observe bird movements. Therefore, clothes and footwear should be chosen to suit these conditions, where possible. Travelling through natural flora and fauna habitats usually is of relatively low risk (compared with the risk of crossing busy roads) but skin irritations from harmful plants or tick bites may occasionally concern sensitive individuals.

Contact

Factors such as weather and availability of leadership mean that some outings may need to be changed at relatively short notice. Please contact Outing Coordinator, Jenny Ivin, on phone 3851 0160 or for further information.

JI/CI  05/03/2010