birding-aus

White-throated Grasswren

To: "Geoffrey Jones" <>
Subject: White-throated Grasswren
From: David Stowe <>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:40:14 +1000
This is really sad news.
Quite seriously - How do we fix this problem? Is there any way that BA or someone can communicate with whoever is in charge of these things? I know nothing about fire regimes except that they can obviously have a major influence in the abundance or otherwise of some of our rarest birds, but would be happy to do what i could to help change this situation. I just have no idea how?

Cheers
David Stowe


On 16/09/2010, at 9:30 AM, Geoffrey Jones wrote:

I am forwarded this on behalf Daryl Binns



Hi all, I'll make this a joint email to all birders and someone can post it
on Birding Aus if they like.

I just had 2 days of intense searching for the WTGW in about 40 deg heat
and convinced it's not around especially Gunlom. I had Ian Davies assist in
some of it and used his tape. We had 2 way walkie talkies and when Ian
needed a rest, going was a bit tough, I moved further afield.

We used a method worth a go if anyone in same situation, he would play the recording in his walkie talkie and I would turn volume up and I had the call
at hand without lugging the extra gear around.

There has been no sightings of the birds this year according to the people
in the Cafe,

I believe Phil Maher had 2 days there without a result.

There was bugger all birds up there, not even the Lovely Wren or
Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon and only flushed one Partridge Pigeon, no Black
Wallaroos either.

All I can advise now, if you are thinking of going there, don't waste your
time and effort for a few years.

Fire last year has destroyed vast amounts of Spinifex Grass and if Parks
keep burning like they have done again up top this year, there is not much
chance of the Habitat coming back or the WTGW's

I spoke to the Ranger in charge of SPARKS and WILDLIFE'S of that area, who had managed to stop burning there for 3 years, but he advised me that they don't have a lot control over the rightful owners who burn where and when
they like.

Plum Ck has also be burn recently again, so that area not likely to recover
for the same reasons.

While there, I did searches of 2 other area's East and N/E of Plum Ck where there was good Habitat, the spot East was better up on the Escarpment but no water around. and the N/E area opposite Plum Ck was also good habitat and had water in the creek some distance below but not that far for the Wrens to
access.



Where too now, I guess I'll try Edith Falls areas as there has been reports
of them seen there further back.

I have a mate who has a Chopper and said he could drop me in some time, so
I may take him up on that or walk in from the Falls.

The Ranger told me there is still good unburnt habitat up on the escarpment
where Gunlom Ck flows from and still water, but it's at least 10km back.
Seen out of a helicopter while surveying.

Long walk in that terrain.

On conclusion, go look for Princess, Scarlet-chested and Night Parrots, I
think you will have more success.

Biggles

DARRYEL C BINNS
PO BOX 1419
HUMPTY DOO. NT.0836
08 89885827/0417 170171



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